Teenagers appear in court over death

THREE teenagers have appeared in private at Dundee Sheriff Court accused of killing John Watt.

The trio, aged 15, 16 and 17 — none of whom can be named for legal reasons — all live in different areas of the city.

They appeared separately but on the same petition before Sheriff George Way charged in connection with the death of the 50-year-old.

It is alleged that on Sunday, at Albert Street, while acting together, they assaulted Mr Watt, struck him on the head and caused him to fall and strike his head on the ground, killing him.

It is alleged that the 17-yearold was on two bail orders at the time.

They made no plea during their brief appearances and were remanded in custody while the case was continued for further examination.

Mr Watt was found lying in Albert Street in Stobswell at around 3.35am on Sunday. He was taken to Ninewells Hospital for treatment but later died as a result of his injuries. The three teenagers were arrested later that day. A large police presence remained at Albert Street after the alleged incident. Residents were spotted being questioned by officers. Staff at the Abode Bar in St Andrews Street — where Mr Wat had been a regular for the last two-and-a-half years — have unveiled a plaque fitted to his favourite bar seat in his memory. Mr Watt (pictured) had been drinking at the pub just a few hours before his death. Landlady Karen Fox, 40, described “Watty” as a “really nice guy” whose death had left Abode regulars in “total shock”.

She said: “Watty came in every single day — the whole pub is in total shock.

“After hearing the news, we wanted to pay tribute in the pub so we had the plaque made and fitted to his regular seat. John would regularly come in and say ‘that’s my seat’.”

Iain Smillie, 69, a regular at the Abode, added: “He was an absolute gentleman. We spoke regularly about football and music — I will miss him.”

Mr Watt was well-known in other pubs across Dundee, including the Arctic Bar at New Inn Entry in the city centre.

Police in attendance at Albert Street, Stobswell, following the discovery of John Watt’s body on Sunday.