Passenger was killed in Stonehaven derailment on wedding anniversary

The wife of Christopher Stuchbury said they had been ‘robbed of our future together’.

Three people died in the crash in August 2020 (PA) (PA Archive)

The wife of the passenger killed in the Stonehaven rail crash has said their lives were “ripped apart” on their wedding anniversary.

Christopher Stuchbury, 62, had been travelling to Dalmeny, near Edinburgh, but his first train had been cancelled due to the severe weather in August 2020.

A member of ScotRail staff told Mr Stuchbury he could get on the Glasgow-bound train instead and change at Dundee.

He was among three people who died when the train derailed.

On that day in 2020, our lives were ripped apart. He and I have been robbed of a future together as a family

Diane Stuchbury

At the High Court in Aberdeen on Thursday, Network Rail pleaded guilty to health and safety failings over the crash.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC read out statements from those impacted, including Mr Stuchbury’s wife Diane.

Her statement read: “The 12th August in our house was a special day – the day we married.

“He had one last trip before retirement.

“On that day in 2020, our lives were ripped apart.

“He and I have been robbed of a future together as a family.”

In a statement issued after the plea on Thursday, the family of Mr Stuchbury said they hope lessons are learned from the tragedy.

They said: “On August 12, 2020, our dearest Chris was killed and our lives were changed forever. No chance to hold his hand or take care of him. No chance to say goodbye.

“This accident was preventable. There are no words to express the heartbreak and loss we endure on a daily basis.

“Now, these catastrophic failures have been proven and Network Rail have been found guilty.

“As a family we wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all teams involved, ensuring justice could be done.

“However, for us, there is no justice as Chris is gone. He should still be here.”

Among those who survived the crash was conductor Nicola Whyte, 31, who was travelling on the train as a passenger as the service she had initially been allocated to travel on had been cancelled.

In a statement read out in court by Mr Prentice, Ms Whyte said her life has “completely changed” since the crash.

She said: “I have suffered three years of anxiety, nightmares and being unable to sleep.

“I jump at loud noises and rarely use buses or trains anymore, and aeroplanes are out of the question.”

Mr Prentice detailed how Ms Whyte had to give up her ambition of becoming a train driver and also her job as a conductor which she “loved”.

Her statement added: “It has also had an impact on my partner and family as they have had to help me heal.

“That day hurt me physically, mentally and also financially and feels like my life has been put on hold.”