Girlfriend left Red Bull can to lead police to burial site of killed cyclist
Alexander McKellar's girlfriend played a vital role in leading officers to the body of Tony Parsons, after he admitted to her that he hit the cyclist while drink driving
A can of Red Bull played a vital role in helping police discover the body of a charity cyclist, three years after he was reported missing.
Alexander McKellar, 31, pleaded guilty to culpable homicide of Tony Parsons, a cyclist who was in the middle of a 100-mile charity fundraiser, when he was struck by McKellar who was driving home while drunk.
Alexander, and his twin brother Robert, left the 63-year-old seriously injured by the side of the A82 where he died. The pair later returned in a different car, and moved Tony's body and belongings before burying him in a remote area.
Confession to girlfriend
Police enquiries where struggling to find any fresh leads for the disappearance, until Alexander confessed what had happened to his girlfriend at the time.
In November 2020, she asked if there was "anything in his past" which may affect their future together - to which, he confessed the events which led to Tony's death.
He explained to her that "in a panic", he and his twin brother dumped their phones at home and returned to the site, where they picked up Tony's body and belongings.
The deer stalker then drove her to the desolate peat bog area in the 9000-acre Auch Estate in Bridge of Orchy, Argyll and Bute, to show her where he had buried Tony.
The woman dropped a can of Red Bull at the site as a marker for police officers.
Red Bull marker
Prosecutor Alex Prentice KC today told the High Court in Glasgow: "She was taken by him to the spot opposite a hydroelectric building.
"He showed her where the body was buried. She deposited a Red Bull drinks can at the scene as a marker.
"The woman provided the information to the police.
"As a result, a major police investigation was commenced."
The woman's efforts eventually led to the remains of the ex-navy officer being found in January 2021.
The discovery was today revealed as Alexander and his twin brother Robert returned to the dock at the High Court in Glasgow.
Bicycle remains unrecovered
The court also heard how the twins destroyed Tony's phone and sim card, before burning his possessions - they hid his bicycle behind a waterfall on the estate which has yet to be recovered.
Alexander had admitted on Wednesday to the culpable homicide of the 63 year-old.
Both had pled guilty to a charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
The brothers were remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced by judge Lord Armstrong next month.