CARELESS DRIVER KILLED SCOOTER TOT ALEX
Family pay tribute after seeing justice for lost son
A DRIVER has been convicted of causing the death of a toddler in a horror smash.
Alan Dalrymple, 56, knocked over Alex Radan, two, who was on his scooter near a play park in Dumfries.
Emergency services raced to the scene but the youngster died in the Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary in April 2021.
Dalrymple had denied any wrongdoing and went on trial at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
But he was convicted by a jury of driving without due care and attention. He will be sentenced later this month and has been banned from driving.
The court heard Dalrymple, of Dumfries, believed he had struck a scooter after leaving his home. He left the scene and then returned to investigate.
An expert told the trial Dalrymple should have been able to see Alex and should have stopped following the collision because the scooter had also been struck.
But a defence expert said there was “limited” evidence
and questioned the positioning of the play park.
The child had suffered a total of 55 separate injuries with the most significant being to the head.
Forensic pathologist Dr Julie McAdam told jurors Alex’s death came very quickly.
His clothing, including his blue Adidas trainers, were shown to jurors.
Dalrymple, who gave no evidence, said after the incident he thought he had run over a scooter in his car and decided to turn back and check it out.
A collated video was then played which began with Dalrymple leaving his property – recorded by his doorbell camera – then CCTV footage of the incident and his return to the scene.
A police officer told the court he had interviewed Dalrymple who insisted he believed he had struck a scooter but returned and saw a child on the pavement outside his neighbouring property.
Dalrymple insisted he had not seen the child and had been focused on other youngsters nearby at the play park.
Following the incident, floral tributes and a cuddly toy rabbit were placed at the scene. A funeral notice from his devastated parents George and Cristina said: “We would like to thank all relatives, friends and neighbours for the cards, flowers, support and kindness shown at this sad time.
“Special thanks to our Romanian friends for all their help, grateful thanks to all staff at the A&E Department, Dumfries Infirmary, for everything they did for our precious boy, Alex.
“Our hearts are in pieces, we hope our little star will watch over us and visit us in our dreams. To everyone who met Alex, remember his laugh, his smile and his beautiful eyes.”