Man in dock to face city centre jewellery shop robbery charges

Man accused of attacking customer with a mallet while witnesses reported smoke coming from the store

A man accused of attacking a customer with a mallet during an armed raid on a Dundee jewellery store has appeared in court.

Dean King, 26, alongside two others, Anthony Wheeldon, 38, and Connor Willis, 22, is accused of targeting Walker The Jeweller on Monday September 23 at around 11am.

It is alleged the three, while acting alongside others, assaulted staff, while brandishing instruments believed to be an axe, mallet and a hammer.

It is alleged they repeatedly struck display cabinets and forced them open before making off with several expensive watches.

Stunned witnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from the Union Street store at the time while the area was busy with pedestrians.

The four employees were reportedly left very shaken by the ordeal but otherwise unhurt.

During the alleged raid, the trio allegedly struck customer Gordon Morris on the head with a mallet or similar instrument inside the store, causing him to fall to the ground. Mr Morris, 60, was treated for a head injury at Ninewells Hospital and later released.

King, of no fixed abode, appeared before Sheriff John Rafferty and made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Wheeldon and Willis, who are alleged to have had masks on during the raid.

The pair’s addresses are also stated as of no fixed abode.

King also faces a string of motoring offences, including taking a car without consent and driving without insurance on the same date, between October 22 and 23.

King is accused of carrying out the alleged offences while on bail, which was granted at Hamilton Sheriff Court on July 27 2019.

A white car believed to have been used in the raid was later recovered by officers in South Victoria Dock Road.

The case was continued for further examination, with King expected to appear in court again at a later date.

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Police at the scene of the alleged raid.