The quiet suburb of Cramond in Edinburgh was left reeling after a tragic incident that unfolded on the morning of March 1, 2024. Eleven-year-old Thomas Wong, a bright and beloved pupil at Cramond Primary School, was cycling to school along the pavement when he was struck and killed by a refuse truck driven by 29-year-old Ross Wallace. The accident, which occurred at the exit of the Royal Burgess Golfing Society car park on Whitehouse Road, has since sparked a wave of grief and reflection throughout the community.
According to BBC News, Wallace, who hails from Prestonpans, East Lothian, was behind the wheel of a Scania HGV as he exited the car park around 8:30am. As Thomas crossed the car park exit on his bike, Wallace failed to observe him, resulting in a collision that left the young boy fatally injured. Despite initial confusion, Wallace stopped the vehicle after hearing his colleagues shout, only to discover Thomas lying on the road. Emergency services arrived promptly, but Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene.
The subsequent investigation and court proceedings revealed a series of oversights on the part of the driver. As reported by STV News, CCTV and dashcam footage played in Edinburgh Sheriff Court showed Wallace failing to make proper observations to his left as he pulled out of the car park. The view to that side, it was noted, had been partially obstructed by foliage. Prosecutor Anna Robertson explained, "The accused failed to make proper observations to his left and failed to account for any vulnerable road users crossing the junction and footpath." She further detailed how Wallace, after hearing a noise, was initially unaware he had struck Thomas, only realizing the gravity of the situation when he stopped and found the boy on the roadway.
The court also heard that internal footage from the truck’s cab captured Wallace using his mobile phone on several occasions in the three hours leading up to the accident. He was seen using the device while reversing the HGV and failing to keep proper observations of the road ahead. However, both the prosecution and defense made clear that the phone use, while reckless, had occurred earlier in the day and did not directly contribute to the fatal collision. "The use of the mobile phone while Wallace was driving the NWH Group truck occurred earlier on in the day and had no bearing on the collision," the court was told.
Wallace, a father of four with no prior criminal record, pled guilty to causing death by driving without due care and attention, as well as failing to keep proper observations. His defense advocate, Emma Toner, told the court that Wallace had shown "very clear remorse" and fully accepted responsibility for his actions. "If he could turn back the clock he would of course but that cannot be done," she said. Sheriff Alistair Noble, in delivering the sentence, acknowledged the "tragic death" caused by Wallace’s lack of attention and recognized the profound impact on Thomas’s family. Seven victim impact statements submitted by the family underscored the devastation wrought by the loss of a much-loved child.
According to the collision investigation presented in court, the bin lorry had slowed to 7.5 mph immediately prior to the moment of impact. The police report concluded that Wallace had failed to carry out the necessary visual checks before driving across the driveway where Thomas was cycling. However, the report also noted that Thomas himself had not made sufficient observations for vehicles that might have been exiting the car park at that time. As Anna Robertson summarized, "In the opinion of the collision investigators, the accused’s lack of caution at the car park exit has led to his being unaware of the initial collision with the deceased and to the vehicle continuing its journey southwards, whereby the Scania HGV has driven over the deceased, inflicting fatal injuries."
After considering all the evidence and circumstances, Sheriff Noble sentenced Wallace on August 21, 2025, to 133 hours of unpaid work in the community and imposed a 12-month driving ban. The sentence took into account Wallace’s clean record and the extreme remorse he expressed. BBC News reported the sheriff’s remarks: the punishment reflected the fact that this was Wallace’s first offence and that he was suffering "extreme remorse" over what had happened.
The loss of Thomas Wong has left an indelible mark on his family, school, and the wider Edinburgh community. In a heartfelt statement released after his death, his family said, "Thomas was the perfect son. He was the best little brother to his older sister and was adored by all his family. We will miss him terribly." Helen Donaldson, the head teacher at Cramond Primary School, described Thomas as "always smiling" and a "positive, friendly and curious" boy. She noted, "The school community is utterly devastated and he will be greatly missed by all of us."
The tragedy has prompted renewed discussions about road safety, particularly near schools and busy junctions. While the court acknowledged that both driver and cyclist had failed to make sufficient observations, the case has highlighted the importance of heightened vigilance in areas frequented by children and other vulnerable road users. Local residents and parents have called for improved visibility at car park exits and additional safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
For Wallace, the consequences of that morning will likely weigh heavily for years to come. The court’s decision to impose unpaid community work, rather than a custodial sentence, was influenced by his remorse, lack of previous convictions, and the recognition that no punishment could undo the suffering caused. Still, the ban on driving and the public nature of the proceedings serve as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating heavy vehicles, especially in residential areas.
As Edinburgh continues to mourn the loss of Thomas Wong, the story stands as a somber lesson in the importance of road safety, personal accountability, and the far-reaching impact of a single moment’s inattention. The memory of Thomas, described by those who knew him as a joyful and inquisitive child, remains a poignant reminder of what has been lost and the vigilance required to protect the most vulnerable among us.
