The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Oil worker’ s killer found dead in jail
Murderer was six months into life sentence
Murderer Steven Dickie has been found dead in prison – fewer than six months into his life sentence for murdering Aberdeen oil worker Steven Donaldson.
Dickie, 24, is understood to have been discovered by prison officers at HMP Perth yesterday morning, sparking a police investigation.
Officers are not said to be treating his death as suspicious.
Prison bosses have said a fatal accident inquiry will be held to determine the circumstances of the killer’s demise.
A police spokeswoman said: “Around 7.30am on Friday 15 November 2019, police received a report that a 24-year-old man had died in Perth Prison.
“His death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.”
The Scottish Prison Service said: “Steven Alexander Dickie, 24, a prisoner at HMP Perth, has died.
“He was convicted at Edinburgh Court on May 30 2019.
“Police Scotland have been advised and the matter reported to the procurator fiscal.
“A fatal accident inquiry will be held in due course.”
Dickie was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 23 years in May for murdering Steven
Donaldson in June last year.
He had served 169 days of his sentence at the time of his death.
Carol Conway, 72, who has lived in the community for 26 years, said: “The whole community was rocked by this.
“I don’t think the news of Dickie’s passing will bring the family any closure.
“It’s an absolute tragedy, the events that happened on that evening.”
Angus Provost and Kirriemuir and Dean councillor Ronnie Proctor said there were “no winners” in Dickie’s passing.
Mr Proctor said: “I feel sorry for the families of those involved, mostly for young Steven Donaldson.
“But I also have to feel sorry for the parents of those who committed this crime and what they have got to live with.
“They have got to live with the circumstances of what their children have done forever and ever.
“There have not been any winners in this tragic situation.
“But I must say I think the family of Steven Donaldson have behaved impeccably, and with a great deal of dignity.”
“His death is being treated as unexplained”