On this day in 1983, Dundee textile spinner James Townsley stood for the first time in the dock at Dundee Sheriff Court, charged with the murder of 26-year old, mother of two, June Weston. She was found dying from multiple stab wounds in her home in Kilbride Place, Whitfield, Dundee on the afternoon of Thursday 10th November. No plea was made and the case was continued for further inquiries. The newspaper clippings are courtesy of the Glasgow Herald, who ran the story on 12th and 17th November 1983, and yes, we did notice they called it “Whitefield” in their larger article, but we’ll forgive them just this once.
James was apprehended after police took the unusual at the time step of naming and showing a photograph of the suspect in the local papers, amid reports that he may be “armed and dangerous”. These newspaper articles are available to view online.
– DD Tours operates walking tours in Dundee city, covering dark local history such as wars, battles, murders, diseases, riots, disasters and executions. Walk with us for an unforgettable storytelling experience.
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