Police ScotlandA teenage boy is to stand trial charged with the murder of a father-of-two.
The 16-year-old is accused of killing Scott Mitchell at a property in Alness in the Highlands on June 17, 2023.
Prosecutors claim the boy shouted and swore at the 48-year-old calling him derogatory names.
He is said to have punched Mr Mitchell causing him to fall before continuing to repeatedly hit him on the head.
The man was also allegedly kicked.
The case called for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, where lawyers for the teenager pleaded not guilty on his behalf.
The boy cannot be identified due to his age.
Lord Clark set a trial which is scheduled to begin in June 2025 in Inverness.
The case could last up to eight days.
After his death, Mr Mitchell’s family paid tribute to the dad – a keen runner and cyclist – describing him as “loved by all that knew him”.
“Scott was a family man, father of two, son, uncle and great uncle to his family and loved by all that knew him,” his family said in a statement.
“The family are devastated at the senseless loss of Scott.
“Scott loved the outdoors and was a keen runner, golfer and cyclist who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
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