Suspect accused of murdering Dundee DJ will stand trial

A man has been ordered to stand trial over claims he murdered a city DJ.

Stephen Robbins, 33, made a second appearance in the dock of Dundee Sheriff Court in connection with the death of Ryan Barrie in Benvie Gardens on March 1.

Mr Barrie, who was well known as a DJ in the city, was found dead at an address on the street.

Police attended the scene just before 3am on Sunday of last week and the street was cordoned off while investigations took place before Mr Barrie, nicknamed “Mini”, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A police presence and cordon remained in the street in the days following the death.

Robbins, of City Road, appeared from custody on petition accused of murdering the 39-year-old.

Prosecutors allege that he assaulted Mr Barrie by repeatedly punching him on the head and body.

Thereafter, Robbins allegedly threw a wheelie bin at him whereby he was injured.

It is alleged that as a consequence of those injuries Mr Barrie died and that he was murdered by Robbins.

Robbins continued to make no plea to the single charge during the brief hearing before Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown.

A motion for bail by defence solicitor Ross Donnelly was refused.

Sheriff Martin-Brown fully committed Robbins for trial and remanded him in custody pending further court dates being set.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Barrie, who was popular both with neighbours and through his work as a DJ.

Flowers were left on the street following his death.

Benvie Gardens residents described him as a “bouncy, friendly guy” who lived on the street with his son.

“I didn’t really know him, but he would always say hi and seemed like a really nice lad,” one said.

“If he was walking past he would always make the effort to wave at me. He seemed like a cheery guy, he had a bounce to his walk.”

Other neighbours were too shocked to speak.