Man to stand trial accused of killing two pensioners in Oban
A man is to stand trial accused of killing two pensioners. Oskars Rancevs faced the allegations at the High Court in Glasgow.
The 32 year-old is said to have first murdered Martyn Smith in Oban, Argyll and Bute last October 1.
Prosecutors claim Rancevs punched, kicked, jumped and stamped on the 73 year-old.
Rancevs is then charged with the culpable homicide of John White on the same day in Oban.
It is alleged the 75 year-old witnessed the alleged attack on Mr Smith.
Mr White is said to have been calling police when Rancevs then assaulted him.
Rancevs is accused of going after the OAP and kicking him on the body.
The indictment claims Mr White was left in a “state of fear and alarm”.
It is stated, as a result, Mr White suffered a fatal heart attack and that Rancevs killed him.
Both pensioners lived at the same flats in Oban at the time.
Rancevs also faced charges of threatening and abusive behaviour as well as obstructing police.
Keith Stewart, defending, pleaded not guilty on his behalf during a short hearing.
The QC described the case as a “difficult and sensitive matter”.
Mr Stewart and prosecutor Derick Nelson both agreed a trial could be set.
Lord Arthurson fixed a trial due to begin in July. The case could last up to 12 days.