A convicted killer accused of attacking a fellow inmate at HMP Perth has died behind bars.
Life-term prisoner Alexander Wilson was due to stand trial next month over allegations he assaulted Stephen Skinnider with a pool cue.
Wilson, 53, was also accused of biting his alleged victim to his injury.
A pre-trial hearing called at Perth Sheriff Court on Thursday.
Fiscal depute Michael Sweeney said he had been informed by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) that Wilson had died in jail.
The case was, however, deferred until January 10 for official confirmation.
Fatal accident inquiry
The prison service confirmed Wilson died on December 13 and a fatal accident inquiry will be held in due course.
Wilson was jailed for the murder of his neighbour in Renton, West Dunbartonshire, in 2007.
He had been drinking cider and taking painkillers and tranquilisers when he plunged a large kitchen knife into Thomas Taylor’s chest.
Glasgow High Court heard at the time how Wilson had fallen out with a drug dealer who accused him of stealing £20 worth of heroin and Mr Taylor, who was not involved in the dispute, suggested he “make himself scarce.”
After the attack, his victim staggered to the home of his mother and told her who had attacked him.
He then dialled 999.
Mr Taylor died on the way to Paisley’s Royal Alexandria Hospital.
A SPS spokesman said Police Scotland had been advised about Wilson’s death and a report would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
