Victim’s family hit out at justice system after acquittal

John Black’s close family and friends have hit out at the justice system after the acquittal of Robert Chambers.

His girlfriend Joanna Taylor, who sat by his side during the three-day trial at Dundee Sheriff Court, spoke of the difficulties John’s loved ones went through while he was in intensive care.

She said: “Everyone who knows John knows he is the kindest, most thoughtful person and wouldn’t hurt a fly.

“John was put in an induced coma and life support. For days we prayed to God that John would survive and make a full recovery. Each time a doctor came to speak to us, we feared the worst.

“Thankfully, John has fully recovered and is with us today but this could have been a totally different story.

“The past three days we have been to court hearing Robert Chambers plead that he hit John in self-defence.

“Chambers told the jury he punched John then left him lying on the street as he was anxious and nervous, he then said he didn’t know what to do or where to go so he headed towards Clark’s for food. As John fought for his life, this evil man wanted to get a sausage roll.”

John’s sister Jodie said: “My little brother is an absolute warrior for pulling through what that boy put him through. It’s not often you can be dealt a blow in life like that and live to tell the tale.

“Robert Chambers might walk free today without a care in the world but we as a family will walk together stronger than he will ever be.”