Tony Parsons: Family of cyclist killed and buried by drink-driver receive six-figure payout

20 January 2025, 08:58 | Updated: 20 January 2025, 11:17

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.

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.

Gordon Dalyell, partner at Digby Brown Solicitors, said: "I can confirm the civil action for the Parsons family has now concluded.

"The manner of Tony's death and what happened subsequently was appalling and the pain of his loss understandably continues to cause huge distress to his loved ones.

"While compensation does not, in any way, heal the pain, it does help protect the futures of his relatives.

"I commend the strength of the Parsons family throughout this whole period as they try to move on with their lives."

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The High Court in Glasgow heard how cancer survivor Mr Parsons was struck by an Isuzu D-Max pick-up during a 100-mile solo charity bike ride from Fort William to his home in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire.

The collision happened during heavy rain at around 11pm on 29 September, 2017.

The McKellars, who were self-employed farm workers, were driving home from the Bridge of Orchy Hotel following dinner with a hunting group.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC told the court the brothers were witnessed drinking alcohol.

Shortly before being struck, Mr Parsons had stopped at the hotel for a cup of coffee.

The hotel's manager had urged Mr Parsons to stay for the night, but he wished to continue with his charity bike challenge.

The court heard the former Navy petty officer suffered severe blunt force trauma and would have died within 20-30 minutes, if not sooner.

Mr Parsons' body was initially hidden by the twins within the grounds of Auch Estate, near the A82.

Alexander later buried Mr Parsons in a remote peat bog used to dispose of dead animals.

In 2020, the killer confessed to then-girlfriend Ms Muirhead and admitted he destroyed Mr Parsons' mobile phone and SIM card and burned his rucksack, wallet and helmet.

Mr Parsons' bike was reportedly hidden behind a waterfall and has never been recovered.

The brothers also arranged for repairs to be carried out on the vehicle that struck Mr Parsons and pretended the damage had been caused by a collision with a deer.

His disappearance sparked a major search involving Police Scotland, mountain rescue teams, volunteers and repeated media appeals.

The court heard Mr Parsons' body would most likely have never been found had it not been for Ms Muirhead's revelation.

Speaking to Sky News' Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies in August 2023, Ms Muirhead admitted being fearful that one day Alexander would "come knock on my door" when released from prison.

However, Alexander's defence lawyer, Brian McConnachie KC, told the court that his client "never held it against" his partner that she went to the police, adding: "He fully accepts she made the right decision in doing so.

"He blames no one but himself."

In a statement released through Police Scotland after the twins pleaded guilty, Mr Parsons' family said the case had "taken its toll" on the family.

Describing Mr Parsons as a "much-loved husband, dad and grandad", they added: "At last justice has been done."

(c) Sky News 2025: Tony Parsons: Family of cyclist killed and buried by drink-driver receive six-figure payout