Two men who fled the scene following a serious road traffic collision in which a 10-year-old boy was seriously injured have been sentenced to time in prison. The incident, which happened on Ferry Road near Drylaw Police Station, both sickened and angered the local community.
Connor Whalen (20), (above, left), 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, (above, right) 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. Both will also be subject to a 12 month supervised release order following their release from custody.
Local people have since taken to social media to vent their fury – they believe the prison sentences should have been substantially longer and that the legal system is letting communities down, Forth councillor Cammy Day said: “Usual poor response from the justice system – not recognising the impact on local communities. Let the judges live in north Edinburgh!!”
Whalen and Miller fled the scene in the wake of the collision, despite the multiple injuries sustained by the young boy, who sustained serious injuries to his arms, legs and chest. The ten year old was treated at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and he continues to recover from his injuries at home.
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 yesterday..
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.”
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.”
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