Scotland’s police watchdog is investigating “allegations of criminality” amid a complaint made against the force in its handling of the case of a charity cyclist who was killed and buried in a remote grave.
Tony Parsons, 63, was knocked down and killed by driver Alexander McKellar, 31, in September 2017, while on a 100-mile solo charity bike ride.
McKellar, with the help of his twin brother Robert, buried Mr Parsons’ body in a peat bog and disposed of evidence in an effort to cover up the crime.
Years later, in 2020, Alexander McKellar confessed to his then girlfriend and took her to the shallow grave site.
The woman dropped a can of Red Bull as a marker and then reported it to the police.
Mr Parsons’ remains were eventually recovered in January 2021.
The brothers were due to stand trial last month accused of murder.
Alexander McKellar, known as Sandy, instead pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of culpable homicide.
The siblings both admitted attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Scotland’s watchdog the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) has now confirmed it has been instructed by the Crown Office to probe “allegations of criminality” in relation to a complaint made against Police Scotland in regards to its handling of the case.
It is understood the allegations have been made by Alexander McKellar’s former partner, who was due to appear as a key witness in the case at the High Court in Glasgow.
A spokesperson said: “PIRC has been instructed to investigate allegations of criminality in relation to this matter by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).
“As this is a live investigation, we are unable to provide further comment.”
COPFS said PIRC has been instructed to investigate criminal allegations against serving police officers, while Police Scotland has been instructed to investigate complaints made against officers who are retired.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on these assertions as criminal proceedings have not concluded.
“There are a number of outstanding complaints which will be progressed at the conclusion of all criminal proceedings.”
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The court 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 on the A82 near Bridge of Orchy, Argyll and Bute, during heavy rain at around 11pm on 29 September 2017.
Alexander and Robert McKellar, both self-employed farm workers, initially left the scene of the incident before returning in another vehicle to transport Mr Parsons’ body, bike and belongings to the nearby Auch Estate.
Mr Parsons’ body was eventually buried in a remote peat bog used to dispose of dead animals.
The court heard that his body would most likely never have been found had it not been for the woman’s revelation.
The McKellars are due to be sentenced on Friday.