Family of cyclist killed and buried in bog by drink-driver receive six-figure payout
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The family of a charity cyclist who was killed by a hit-and-run drink-driver and secretly buried in a shallow grave have received a six-figure compensation payout. Alexander McKellar struck Tony Parsons with a vehicle and left him dying on the A82 near Bridge of Orchy, Argyll and Bute, in Scotland, in September 2017.
Instead of alerting emergency services to get help for the 63-year-old, Alexander and twin brother Robert left the scene, before returning in another vehicle to collect Mr Parsons' body, bike, and belongings. Alexander, known as Sandy, later buried Mr Parsons' body in a remote peat bog and disposed of evidence linking him to the fatal collision. Robert helped him to cover up the crime.
The pair were caught after Alexander confessed to his then-girlfriend, Caroline Muirhead, years after Mr Parsons' death and took her to the grave site. Ms Muirhead left a can of Red Bull as a marker before reporting it to police. Mr Parsons' remains were eventually recovered on the remote Auch Estate in January 2021.
The twins were jailed in 2023 after admitting attempting to defeat the ends of justice. Robert was jailed for five years and three months, while Alexander received a 12-year sentence for additionally pleading guilty to culpable homicide. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player.
Solicitors for Mr Parsons' family confirmed legal action was launched against Alexander and a settlement has now been agreed with the insurer of the vehicle driven by the killer. The civil case was settled out of court the day before a trial was due to begin at the Court of Session in Edinburgh last week.
