The police investigation into the murder of charity cyclist Tony Parsons, who was killed by a drink-driver and hidden in a shallow grave, cost more than £170,000.
Investigation costs revealed
Retired Royal Navy officer Tony, 63, from Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, was attempting a charity cycle when he was struck by Alexander McKellar’s speeding car on the A82, near Bridge of Orchy, in September 2017. He was left to die before McKellar and his brother Robert buried Tony’s body on a remote estate in the Highlands.
It remained undiscovered for three years until, in 2021, McKellar confided in his then-girlfriend Caroline Muirhead and took her to the burial site. Caroline told the Sunday Mail in an exclusive interview in 2023 how she felt coerced into living with McKellar, known as “Sandy”, in a bid to gather evidence proving he had knocked down the cyclist and buried his body. She was eventually able to pinpoint the location to police by dropping a drinks can on the ground.
Breakdown of spending
Now, police spending figures released under Freedom of Information revealed the recorded costs held by Police Scotland in relation to the operation investigating Tony’s death totalled £178,353. This included £102,273 in police officer overtime and £2663 in office staff overtime costs. A further £67,337 was spent on “supplies and services”, although no further details were provided. And £5831 was spent on transport-related costs.
The figures cover the period from 2020 to 2024. In 2023, McKellar pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Brother Robert was sentenced to five years and three months after admitting obstruction of justice. Their actions were described in court as “callous and cowardly”.
Family impact and police statement
Last year, Tony’s widow Margaret told of her devastation at his death and her hatred for the twins for leaving her with a “life sentence”. In the BBC documentary Murder Case – The Vanishing Cyclist, she said: “When they get out of jail they are going to go back to life as if nothing’s happened. They are not the ones left with a life sentence – I am – because that is what they’ve done.”
Detective Inspector Fraser Spence said: “Information provided to officers led to the brothers being arrested and charged. Human remains were found. These were identified as Anthony Parsons.”
