A man accused of robbing a pensioner and attacking another has been found dead in prison.
Simon Stewart, of Lansdowne Court, was found in his cell by officers at Perth Prison while he was on remand awaiting trial.
The 30-year-old was due to appear in court later this year to face four charges in connection with offences allegedly committed in June in Ancrum Place.
An investigation will now be launched by the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Stewart was due to face charges that he attacked 74-year-old Yvonne Cullen, as well as robbing her of jewellery, computer equipment, mobile phones and a bank card.
Before Stewart’s arrest, Mrs Cullen told the Tele she had been asleep in her sheltered housing flat when he broke into her bedroom, climbed on top of her and told her he had Aids before making off with a haul of valuables.
He was also accused of breaking into the home of an 84-year-old man and robbing him of money and a bank card.
Prosecutors also accused Stewart of restoring the electricity supply at his home which had been cut off, by bypassing a meter box.
A Crown Office spokesman said: “The procurator fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a 30-year-old man in Perth on September 18.
“The investigation into the death under the direction of Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit is on-going and the family will be kept updated in relation to any significant developments.”
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed a fatal accident inquiry will be held to establish the circumstances of his death.
A spokeswoman said: “Simon Stewart, 30, a prisoner at Perth, has died. He was remanded at Dundee Sheriff Court on June 28.
“Police Scotland has been advised and the matter reported to the procurator fiscal.”
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