An Aberdeen dad has blasted the justice system for “failing” his young son after a man accused of seriously injuring him in a moped collision walked free from court.
Paul Jessiman, 20, went on trial accused of causing the child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, severe injury by driving dangerously.
He was also charged with failing to report an accident to the police.
However, the jury found the charges against him not proven at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
The jury took around 20 minutes to reach its decision.
The eight-year-old boy had been playing on his BMX bicycle when he was found injured in the Cornhill area of Aberdeen on September 3 2017.
His parents found him unconscious and drenched in blood.
He lost four teeth and suffered injuries to his legs and face – including deep cuts to his gums and nose – and needed 28 stitches.
The nature of his head injuries meant doctors at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary had to tend to his wounds and reattached his teeth while he was awake.
Doctors need to wait until the youngster is 21 before they can use part of his hip bone to fit permanent dentures.
Speaking outside court Mr Jessiman said he was “relieved” at the jury’s decision and added: “It was a waste of time, I was never involved in the first place.”
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The parents of the boy said they were “absolutely devastated” at the verdict.
His dad said he was not sure how he was going to break the news to his son. He said: “I will tell him to keep positive no matter what life throws at you.
“The justice system failed our boy today, it’s him that lost out today.”
Mr Jessiman previously admitted driving with no insurance or licence and was fined £200 for each offence. Sheriff Morag McLauchlan also added six penalty points to his licence.
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