Man in court for assault at vigil to tragic Libbi

fife: Man with learning difficulties left with serious facial injuries after attack

A 34-year-old man has appeared in court accused of assaulting a man with learning difficulties who had been paying tribute to tragic teenager Libbi Toledo.

His court appearance came on the same day police confirmed that a body found in Kirkcaldy last month has now been formally identified as that of the missing 17-year-old.

Leven man John Arnott is alleged to have assaulted Peter Menellis, 25, in Kirkcaldy’s Hill Street on Saturday evening.

He is also accused of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Arnott faces two further charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

He was released on bail when he appeared in private on petition at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday.

Arnott made no plea and was committed for further examination. No date was given for his next court appearance.

Mr Menellis had been out in the town paying tribute to Libbi at a vigil organised by her friends and family when the alleged assault occurred.

He had met up with friends earlier in the evening to remember Libbi, who was found dead 10 days after being reported missing.

Mr Menellis, who sustained what police described as serious injuries, was taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment.

A major search had been launched for Libbi on September 12 when she failed to return to assisted accommodation in Kirkcaldy following a visit to her mother’s home in Brechin.

Her body was discovered by officers searching for her within a disused scrapyard at the junction of Denburn Road and Smeaton Road on September 21.

Police are continuing to work with the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit to fully explore the circumstances of Libbi’s death. However, her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Chief Inspector Adrian Annandale, local area commander for central Fife, said: “This is a tragic loss of a young life and our heartfelt condolences are with Libbi’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“I want to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who supported our investigation by coming forward with possible sightings and sharing our appeals for information.”