A DRUNK driving footballer from Greenock who caused the death of an Inverclyde dad in an horrific head-on crash has been backed by bosses at his club.

Largs Thistle FC are standing by Craig Forbes after he last week admitted causing the death of Wemyss Bay man David Horn on the A78 near Inverkip.

The 23-year-old smashed his Volkswagen Golf into Mr Horn’s Toyota Yaris, leaving the 59-year-old with catastrophic injuries.

Forbes was told by a judge last week to expect a 'substantial' prison sentence after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

In a club statement issued after Forbes pleaded guilty, Thistle said they “believe in positive rehabilitation” and “support Craig in his ongoing progress as he learns to deal with the devastation he has caused”.

Forbes, a first offender, was unable to give a blood sample until three hours after the crash, which confirmed a blood alcohol level of 78 milligrams in 100 millilitres.

The legal limit is 50 milligrams.

The High Court in Glasgow has heard Forbes’ blood alcohol levels at the time of the crash would have been higher than 78 milligrams and a more accurate calculation will be given when he is sentenced later this month.

Forbes, who had earlier attended a wedding, overtook another vehicle when it was unsafe moments before the fatal collision at 11.20pm on October 15 in 2022.

Both Forbes and Mr Horn’s vehicles rotated after the point of impact with Mr Horn becoming trapped inside.

Mr Horn tragically died from his injuries in hospital.

Forbes was also treated at hospital for injuries to his leg, pelvis and bruised lungs.

Forbes, who was also handed an interim driving ban at the March 1 hearing, continued to be part of the Largs Thistle matchday squad until the weekend before his court appearance, and last played for the club on February 17.

He was not included in the squad for their match last Saturday and his future with the club is set to be decided upon at a meeting this week.

The spokesperson added: “For many years, Craig Forbes has been a much-valued player at Largs Thistle, contributing to the club’s successes.

“In October 2022, Craig was involved in a road traffic accident, which resulted in the tragic death of Mr David Horn, from Wemyss Bay.

“While we cannot comprehend the full impact of these events on Mr Horn’s family, our thoughts and prayers remain with them as they continue to grieve and come to terms with the consequences of their unimaginable loss.“As a result of the collision, Craig has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

“As a club, we oppose any form of serious offence. However, we also believe in positive rehabilitation, and therefore, we support Craig in his ongoing progress as he learns to deal with the devastation that he has caused.

“Craig has appeared before Judge Douglas Brown, who has asked for background reports, following which he will decide the appropriate outcome.”

Forbes signed for Largs Thistle in 2019 on a dual contract with St Andrew’s in Greenock, and was previously part of the youth set-up at Morton.