Footballer Ciaran Dickson jailed for killing teenager in hit-and-run

Ciaran Dickson pictured playing for Celtic B during an SPFL Trust Trophy match with Greenock Morton on 4 September 2021

A former footballer who admitted killing a teenager in a drunken hit-and-run has been jailed for six years.

Ciaran Dickson, 22, was driving a rented Mercedes when he struck Aidan Pilkington on Crow Road, Anniesland, in September 2021.

The High Court in Glasgow heard the ex-Celtic B-team and Rangers youth player was three times over the alcohol limit after drinking beers and cocktails.

After dragging him along the road, Dickson fled and abandoned his vehicle.

Mr Pilkington suffered significant head injuries and died in hospital.

Aidan Pilkington was about to begin his first year at university

Judge Lord Colbeck sentenced Dickson to six years in jail, but said it would have been eight years had he not pled guilty.

The judge also cited the young person's sentencing guidelines for offenders under 25 which he had to take into account.

He added: "After the sentence I have imposed has been served, you can move on with your life while there is an appalling loss which his (Mr Pilkington's) family and friends will have to endure.

"I recognise you didn't intend to cause harm but the quantity of alcohol and speed you travelled was someone who was clearly reckless to what harm was caused."

Dickson was also disqualified from driving for nine years and must sit the extended test before he can regain his licence.

As he was led to the cells, Dickson stuck his thumb up to his family in the public gallery and said: "Love you, see you later."

In a statement released through their solicitors, the family of Mr Pilkington said that nothing could bring him back or fill the tremendous void that his death had left in their lives.

They added: "Aidan was a very kind and caring young man, and he was recognised and respected for this.

"He was looking forward to a bright future at Dundee University and we were looking forward to sharing it with him. The loss of his life has been devastating, particularly to all who knew and loved him.

"The driver who killed Aidan behaved very dangerously over several hours. He had many opportunities to do the right thing that night, but instead he chose to completely disregard the safety of all road users. The damage he has done to our lives is utterly devastating and immeasurable."

The family expressed their appreciation for the support it has received from friends and the community, and thanked Police Scotland and the Crown Office for bringing Dickson to justice.

Police investigate the scene on Glasgow's Crow Road in September 2021

Dickson, who was signed to Celtic at the time of the collision and had scored two goals in his first two appearances, has been released by the club.

Mr Pilkington - who was about to begin his first year at university - had been out with school friends and left a pub at about 23:30.

His friend Ben Smith recalled seeing a vehicle a "distance away" and believed there was enough time to cross the road.

Mr Pilkington followed behind him.

Mr Smith said that a white car struck his friend when he was positioned between the two lanes.

He added that he did not remember Mr Pilkington being run over by the car but to "have travelled for around 10 to 15 metres with the car."

Mr Pilkington was found to have an exposed fractured skull, very shallow breathing and CPR was carried out at the scene by medics.

He was taken to hospital and pronounced dead at about 02:00.

Collision investigators believe Dickson was driving between 64 and 71 miles per hour at the time of the collision.

Dickson drove off at speed, abandoned his damaged vehicle and was later found to have run back to his home before handing himself into police the next day.