Friday, April 19, 2024
1Touching tribute to hit-and-run dad

Touching tribute to hit-and-run dad

By Cara Sulieman

THE DAUGHTER of tragic dad Paul Bonnar killed when he was hit by a car at the weekend has left a heartfelt message to him on a makeshift shrine at the spot where he was hit.

Gabrielle Bonnar, 12, placed her tribute letter among the flowers and balloons laid at a tree on Walter Scott Avenue in Edinburgh where the popular 30-year-old died after being struck by a car.

She wrote about how much she would miss her dad and what he meant to her.

The letter read: “Dad I can’t explain how much I miss you. I miss how you smiled and said ‘Hiya my girl.’

“Always in my heart”

“I loved you with my all my heart and still do. I hope you will always look over me and be proud. I know you were already proud of me.

“You supported me and encouraged me in everything I did. You spoiled me rotten all the time.

“I will never let you go. You will always be in my heart and mind. I will never forget you. I will always talk to you. I will treasure the happy times we shared together.

“I don’t believe this happened to you. You will always be with me forever and no matter what, I love you with all my heart and soul and always will.

“I love you so so so so much daddy always and forever. Your little girl, Gabrielle.”

Touching

The touching note joined others from members of the community, including the flowers left by Paul’s widow, Lorna.

She wrote: “I can’t begin to imagine how I’m going to live without you.”

Paul Bonnar, a gas worker who lived in Gilmerton with his family, died on Sunday morning at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Sixteen-year-old Lee Coyle appeared in private at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday charged with Mr Bonnar’s murder.

Appealing for information

No pleas or declaration was made and the case was continued for further inquiry. The teenager, who was also charged with road traffic offences and attempting to defeat the ends of justice, was remanded in custody.

Detectives in the case are still appealing for information to trace the movements of the stolen Mitsubishi Evolution that allegedly struck Mr Bonnar at 1.30am on Sunday.

Officers have asked anyone who saw the white vehicle after 10.30pm on Saturday night when it was stolen from Brunswick Street in Leith to contact them.

They are also asking witnesses who may have seen a noisy disturbance involving between five and ten people in Gilmerton Road just before the crash to come forward.

CCTV

The car, with the registration P479 CRN, was found burned out at The Wisp at 3.30am on Sunday.

Detective Chief Inspector Amanda McGrath, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are keen to establish exactly where the car went from Brunswick Street at 10.30pm on Saturday before being involved in the alleged incident in Walter Scott Avenue. It’s a vehicle with a distinctive exhaust and spoiler.

“We’re checking CCTV footage and anyone with private CCTV who may have caught the car on camera should come forward.”

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