Man accused of terrifying attack in city cemetery

Woman allegedly punched and kicked and prevented from breathing

An 18-year-old has appeared in court accused of a terrifying attack on a woman in a Dundee cemetery.

Daryl Avers allegedly punched and kicked the woman in Eastern Cemetery on Arbroath Road on Friday at around 11.30pm.

He allegedly covered the woman’s mouth and nose, preventing her from breathing or shouting, before robbing her handbag and £40 in cash.

Avers, of Maitland Street, Dundee, made no plea after appearing in private on petition at Dundee Sheriff Court.

He was granted bail by Sheriff John Rafferty, with the case continued for further examination.

The cemetery, which is one of the city’s biggest, was completely shut to the public for 24 hours after the incident to allow police and forensics to carry out their investigation.

Police cordons appeared at every entry point to the graveyard on Saturday morning with officers standing guard throughout the day.

Additional large cordons could also be seen inside the grounds.

The cemetery was reopened on Sunday morning, with Avers arrested and charged the same day.

The cemetery incident came just a day after another woman was sexually assaulted on Thursday night in Baxter Park, just half a mile away.

A large patch opposite Arbroath Road, stretching almost the full width of the often busy park, was sealed off for most of the day on Friday.

Police have continued investigating the attack but have so far been unable to make any arrests.

Both the cemetery and park, which is currently housing the Lady Boys of Bangkok show, are popular with visitors.

Locals spoke of their shock at the events.

Jeannette Ginslov, who lives nearby, said: “It creeps me out and it makes me really anxious.

“I’ve decided to only cycle when it’s bright outside because of the attacks.

“As a woman, it’s changed my outlook on the city. I never used to think about Dundee like this.”

The charge against Avers states he did assault the woman and demand money from her, repeatedly punch her on the head causing her to fall to the ground and repeatedly kick her on the body.

He is then accused of placing his hand over her mouth and nose, thereby restricting her breathing, all to her injury.

He then allegedly robbed her of £40 in cash as well as a handbag and its contents.

There was a heavy police presence inside and outside Eastern Cemetery following the incident which took place last Friday at 11.30pm.