Robert Cunningham (22) appeared in private before Sheriff Duguid at Dundee yesterday on a petition alleging the murder of 23-month-old Brandon Muir at his home in Balunie Crescent on March 15 or 16.

Cunningham also faced on petition several contraventions of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act alleging he caused unnecessary suffering to the toddler and two charges alleging cruel and unnatural treatment of Brandon at an address in Duncraig Road between October 25 and February 2.

He made no plea or declaration and was fully committed and remanded in custody.