‘Brian’s death could have been prevented with more police’

THE family of a man who died at New Year say a larger police presence in Dundee could have prevented his death in a taxi rank punch-up.

Brian Fox, 62, died in the early hours of January 1 after hitting his head on the road at the taxi rank in Nethergate.

He was punched by 20-yearold Wes Reid, who was acquitted of culpable homicide on the grounds of self-defence at the High Court in Edinburgh last week.

Speaking exclusively to the Tele following the verdict, Mr Fox’s brother David, sister Isobel and sister-in-law Aileen say they were left “gobsmacked” by the outcome.

They believe an inadequate police presence in the city was a contributing factor in their relative’s death – slamming the corporate slogan of “Keeping People Safe” as a falsehood.

David, 58, is a retired policeman, and believes

CCTV shown during

Reid’s trial proved there were not enough police in the city for the time of year.

He said: “For any

New Year, you put on a large police presence – high-visibility patrols, especially somewhere like Dundee city centre.

“The CCTV video shows from the Perth

Road and all the way down Nethergate and along the High Street.

“There’s not a police officer or a police car to be seen. We know people were phoning the police at this point would ever want to speak to him to understand why he lashed out, the family rule it out.

David said: “I don’t particularly want to speak to him, at all. As far as meeting him and asking him why – he will always be the guy who punched Brian out.”

However, the family have been grateful for the outpouring of support they have received from both their friends and others following the trial.

They have adopted a bench outside the Nethergate that will soon be decorated with a plaque reading: “We are so proud that you are our brother.”

Isobel said: “The support has been so nice – he was always such a gentleman and he knew so many people. He was always willing to help people, 100%.

“But because of what has happened with him I feel like I should tell people not to step in if they see something happening – just to put the blinkers on and walk past.

“I know that is wrong but I also know if Brian hadn’t stepped in we would have asked him why he hadn’t – that was the kind of person he was.”

Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Andrew Todd again expressed his condolences to Brian’s family, but insisted the force had the correct procedures in place to deal with busy nights in Dundee.

He said: “Our sympathies remain with the family of Brian Fox and all those affected by his death.

“With regards to local policing in Dundee, we have extensive plans in place to cover all busy times of the year, including weekends and the festive period. This includes key areas close to licensed premises and taxi ranks.”