Charges are dropped over man’s Southgate skeleton

A Carnoustie man who dressed up a model skeleton as Gareth Southgate following England’s elimination from the World Cup has been told he will no longer face breach of the peace charges.

Kenneth Whyte, 57, put the skeleton on the roof of his Barry Road home ahead of this year’s Open Championship.

He pout a waistcoat on the dummy after England lost 2-0 to Belgium in the third place play off alongside signs saying “The Gareth South-gate exit!” and “Advice to our English friends, please remember the route when you are coming home again!”

Mr Whyte claimed the effigy of the England manager was just “banter” ahead of the Open starting in Carnoustie. Police officers confiscated the skeleton before Mr Whyte was formally charged with breach of the peace.

However, he has now been told the charges have been dropped and is now demanding the return of his skeleton.

He told a national newspaper: “Common sense has prevailed. I should not have been arrested for banter. For them to send so many officers to remove a plastic skeleton is ridiculous.

“I want them to apologise for how they’ve handled this and return my skeleton.”

He also vowed to restore the skeleton to its place on his roof.

The Crown Office confirmed charges have been dropped.