Two men who were involved in a serious road traffic collision which resulted in a 10-year-old boy being seriously injured have both been sentenced to time in prison.
Connor Whalen, aged 20, pled guilty to injuring the 10-year-old while riding a motorcycle in Ferry Road on Saturday, August 19. He was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison.
Marc Miller, aged 23, pled guilty to driving in a dangerous manner and to having an involvement in the incident. He was sentenced to two years and 11 months in prison.
They will both also be subject to a 12 month supervised release order following their release from custody.
Whalen and Miller left the scene in the wake of the collision, despite the multiple injuries sustained by the child.
The 10-year-old sustained serious injuries to his arms, legs and chest and was taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children for treatment. He is continuing to recover from his injuries at home in the care of his family.
Officers from Edinburgh’s Criminal Investigation Department conducted a robust and thorough investigation in the circumstances of the collision and later arrested Whalen and Miller.
Whalen and Miller pled guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, December 5, and were sentenced today.
Detective Inspector Graham Grant of Corstorphine CID said, “Connor Whalen and Marc Miller callously left a seriously injured child screaming for help in the roadway while others rushed to tend to him.
“They were more concerned with concealing their actions than ensuring the survival of a 10-year-old boy from their own community.
“In response to their decision, we instigated a major operation to find the pair and hold them to account.
“The 10-year-old’s bravery throughout this process has been outstanding and I wish to pay tribute to him.
“I hope this sentence will give him and his family some closure and allow them to move on from this terrible incident.”
Chief Inspector Stevie Sutherland, Local Area Commander for North West Edinburgh, said, “The shock of this collision was felt throughout the North Edinburgh community and I would like to thank them for their support throughout our investigation.
“Local response officers quickly attended the scene, showing the utmost dedication and professionalism in helping the 10-year-old in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
“We are committed to tackling disorder in the north west area, with our partners, and whenever offences of this nature arise we will devote all available resources to identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice.
“However if we are to fully tackle this issue we need the support of the people in North Edinburgh. Anyone who is aware of motorcycle activity in their area is asked to contact the community team at Drylaw Police Station on 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
