A man and woman have entered pleas of not guilty, setting the stage for a trial on charges related to the alleged assault of children in Dundee. The pair, identified as Ilia Belov, 22, and Nadjedzha Belova, 20, appeared at the city's sheriff court where they formally denied the accusations.
Sheriff Gregor Murray has scheduled the trial for April 15. The alleged incident is understood to have occurred in the Lochee area of the city last August.
Further details of the specific allegations remain scant, with the case proceeding to trial following these court appearances.
Background
This legal development unfolds against a backdrop of broader concerns regarding offenses against minors. In separate, unrelated incidents, investigations into alleged sexual assaults involving women and girls have led to arrests and charges in other jurisdictions. Notably, in January 2023, a 30-year-old man was arrested in Arizona, facing multiple counts including sexual assault of a minor, following allegations from several victims who reportedly met the suspect via social media. Investigations by law enforcement in that instance involved obtaining electronic and vehicle data, and collaboration with other agencies over similar past allegations. Separately, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, a trial date has been set for a man accused of threatening a woman after entering her home and stealing valuables. Psychologists in that case have reportedly indicated concerns about the defendant feigning mental illness.
Read More: Keon Simms sentenced for 2021 shooting and 2022 road rage deaths