TAYSIDE POLICE has agreed an out-of-court settlement with the family of a Dundee teenager who died almost seven years ago.

John Kidd, a 15-year-old St Saviour’s High pupil, died after being struck in the chest by a stone during an incident involving gangs in Finlathen Park in 1998.

A city youth faced a High Court murder trial in connection with the death but after the charge was amended to culpable homicide during the trial, walked free after the case was found not proven.

Mr Kidd’s family, who stay in the Linlathen area, launched legal proceedings against the force over their handling of the case. An internal inquiry was held by Tayside Police in 2000 and one officer disciplined.

The Kidds’ action was due to call late last year but the parties agreed a settlement before it came to court.

A police spokeswoman said last night, “We can confirm that the action has been settled out of court with no liability on the force’s part.

“The details of that settlement are a private matter and we cannot comment further. An officer was dealt with under internal misconduct proceedings.”

The Kidds would not comment. Their solicitor confirmed the case was settled but said talks over legal costs were continuing.