THE TRIAL of three men accused of murdering a man on Perth’s South Inch got under way at the High Court in Perth yesterday.

David Christopher Mehan (19) and Martin John Soutar (21), both described as prisoners in Perth, and a 15-year-old youth deny that on April 21 or 22 at the South Inch, they assaulted James McNab Kerr, formerly of George Street, Perth, punched him on the face, knocked him to the ground, repeatedly punched him on the face and head, repeatedly kicked and stamped on his face and head, struck him on the face with a piece of glass or similar instrument, rifled through his pockets and stole a lighter and a set of keys, and he was so severely injured that he died on April 22 in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, and they murdered him.

Meehan and Soutar also deny committing the offence while on bail.

The first witness at the trial, Geoffrey Miller, told the court that he had been in Dickens Bar, Methven Street, on April 21.

He saw a man, who he identified as the victim, James Kerr, who was in the bar and who spoke to him at one point.

He knew the man only as Jim and said he was a regular in the establishment.

Mr Kerr left the pub between 10pm and 11pm but the witness said he saw him again shortly before closing time at 12.30am.

Questioned by advocate depute Vinit Khurana, Mr Miller said that he didn’t see any injuries on Mr Kerr.

The trial, which is being heard before Lord McPhail and a jury of six men and nine women, continues on Monday.