East Neuk four accused of '˜savage attack'

Jeffrey Fry, Edward Lindsay, Scott Murray and Lee Johnston are alleged to have carried out the attack on Paul Pender in Anstruther last December.

Prosecutors say Fry first attacked Shane Pender, repeatedly punched him on the head and body, kicked him on the body and knocked him to the ground.

Fry is then said to have attacked Shirley Pender by pushing her to the ground.

All four are then accused of assaulting Paul Pender by grabbing him on the body, dragging him from his home, pushing him to the gruond and repeatedly punching and kicking him on the head and body to his injury.

Lindsay is alleged to have had his face masked during the assault.

All four men are then accused of vandalising a window at the property by smashing it with a brick, while Lindsay alone faces an allegation of being in possession of a knife at the time.

Fry (53), of Venus Place, Anstruther, Lindsay (36), of Mayview Avenue, Anstruther, Murray (40), of Pittenweem, and Johnston (28), of George Street, Cellardyke, denied the charges on indictment at Dundee Sheriff Court.

Lawyers representing Fry, Lindsay and Johnston said the men were pleading not guilty to the indictment.

Murray failed to appear for the pre-trial hearing and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Sheriff Alastair Brown continued the case to a trial date later this month.