The boyfriend of a law student found dead in her room has appeared in court accused of a campaign of abuse against her.
Angus Milligan is accused of verbally and physically abusing 18-year-old Emily Drouet over a two-month period.
The last alleged incident happened on March 17 last year.
Aberdeen University law student Miss Drouet was found dead in her halls of residence at Hillhead, Don Street, the next day.
Police launched an investigation into her death, but there were no suspicious circumstances.
But now Milligan has appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, facing accusations that he assaulted Miss Drouet repeatedly at the Hillhead halls.
The 21-year-old, of Drummond Place, Edinburgh, denied the eight charges against him and will go on trial later this year.
It is alleged on two occasions, including the day before her death, Milligan grabbed his girlfriend by the neck and choked her, leaving her injured.
On another occasion it is claimed he pushed her to the ground, again hurting her.
The student is further alleged to have punched a mirror in the presence of another girl causing it to smash and cut her.
Prosecutors claim that from January 1 to March 18 last year, Milligan also repeatedly used offensive and obscene language when either speaking to or messaging Miss Drouet.
The charges emerged just as Miss Drouet’s friends prepared to mark what would have been her 19th birthday.
One friend, Blake Herriot, took to social media to remember her friend.
He said: “So, this Saturday marks the 19th birthday of our beautiful Emily Drouet. Over 10 months we have gone without our best friend here beside us, and none of it has been manageable at all.”
Mr Herriot said a large group of Miss Drouet’s friends had planned to mark her birthday by attending venues in Aberdeen where pictures of her were to be displayed for all to remember her by.
He added: “We all love you so much Emily, we miss you more and more every day. It will just never be the same without you.”
For people who might be seeking some support in coping with life, Breathing Space is a free, confidential service which can be contacted on 0800 838587.
The Samaritans offer a free and confidential emotional support service and are available 24 hours a day, every day, on 116 123 or e-mail jo@samaritans.org
