The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Man, 21, is charged with murder
A 21-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a Dundee father at a Lochee multi-storey block.
Matthew Pope is alleged to have killed 29-year-old Michael Given by repeatedly striking him on the head with a piece of wood, while on bail.
Pope, of Dryburgh Street, spoke only to confirm his name at a two-minute hearing in private before Sheriff Richard Davidson at Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday.
He is accused of assaulting Mr Given at Elders Court on either July 20 or July 21.
Pope made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody while the case was continued for further examination. His solicitor Jim Caird made no motion for bail.
Mr Given’s sister Claire Reid earlier issued a statement saying the family needed to grieve in private and asked for their privacy to be respected.
She said: ”Michael was a much loved son, a true mummy’s boy. He was also a much loved brother, doted uncle, father, nephew, cousin, grandson and friend to very many. He is so very sadly missed by all.
“We would now ask that people respect our privacy and allow us to grieve in private as a family.”
Friends and family had also paid tribute to Mr Given on Facebook after his death.
His girlfriend Kelly Weston said: “Rest in peace babe — miss you Mikey — will always love you.”
His aunt Dawn Reid posted: “Goodnight my beautiful nephew sleep tight darling,” while Dee Garty said: “He was a friend, a father, a son and a good man.”
Police officers were called to the sixth floor of the multi at 12.20am on Sunday. On arrival, they found Mr Given, known as Mikey, injured within one of the properties.
Paramedics were called but Mr Given was pronounced dead at the scene.