Tony Parsons: Police investigated over killed cyclist probe

22 August 2023

Image source, Police Scotland

Image caption,

Tony Parsons disappeared during a charity bike ride in September 2017

The police watchdog is investigating the force’s handling of a probe into a cyclist killed by a drink-driver.

Tony Parsons, 63, was hit by Alexander McKellar, who then buried his body with the help of his twin brother in 2017.

McKellar confessed their crimes to his then-girlfriend, who reported them to police.

The brothers were due to stand trial accused of murder but McKellar pled guilty to the reduced charge of culpable homicide.

They both admitted attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Image source, Police Scotland

Image caption,

Alexander McKellar (left) and twin brother Robert appeared at the High Court in Glasgow

The Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (Pirc) confirmed the Crown Office had instructed it to investigate “allegations of criminality” in relation to a complaint against the police made by Alexander McKellar’s former girlfriend.

The woman was due to appear as a key witness in the case but did not turn up to court.

A Pirc spokesperson added: “As this is a live investigation, we are unable to provide further comment.”

The High Court in Glasgow heard Alexander McKellar, known as Sandy, hit Mr Parsons with his car as the cyclist travelled along the A82 near Bridge of Orchy in 2017.

Mr Parsons, 63, had previously been treated for prostate cancer and wanted to cycle the 100 miles from Fort William to his home in Tillicoultry to raise money for charity to “give something back.”

Sandy and his brother Robert McKellar then buried his remains at the nearby Auch Estate where they were self-employed farm workers.

Then in 2020, Sandy McKellar led his former girlfriend to the shallow grave.

Image source, Crown Office

Image caption,

Mr Parsons’ body was buried on the Auch Estate

He told her he had panicked and returned to the scene in a different vehicle with his brother to recover the body.

The court heard how the woman left a Red Bull can at the site of the grave as a marker, before contacting police.

It was also told that Mr Parsons’ body would probably never have been found without her revelation.