The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Man faces jail over attempted murder
Court: Serial offender sorry for attack
A thug who “absolutely leathered” his former partner after she told him she was going on holiday is behind bars.
Stuart Pollock flewinto a rage at Catherine MacKay in March last year at his home in Inverness.
The mother was left with 29 different injuries – including broken ribs – during the brutal murder bid.
Pollock told a jury hewas “embarrassed” at hitting Miss MacKay that night – but denied trying to kill her. However, the 50-year-old was convicted of attempted murder after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
It emerged Pollock had convictions for domesticrelated offences against women. He was remanded in custody pending sentencing in November.
The court heard the pair had been in a relationship. Miss MacKay was attacked after she had gone to visit Pollock at his flat. It was there Pollock snapped before launching a vicious assault. His ex was punched, kicked, dragged and choked.
In a 999 call, Miss MacKay said Pollock had “absolutely leathered” her.
When police spoke to badly-beaten Miss MacKay she was “highly distressed” and later described as a “mess”. The victim told them:“He justwentcrazy ... I said Iwas going toTunisia and he just went mad.”
A paramedic described Miss MacKay's eyes as being “absolutely scarlet” as a result of the attack. Her scalp was also badly bruised having been dragged by the hair.
Pollock gave evidence during the trial and claimed i t was Miss MacKay who had become angry after she spotted a Valentine's card from another woman. He said he assaulted her after the mum refused to leave his flat – but denied allegations he strangled Miss MacKay.
His lawyer DrewMcKenzie asked: “How do you feel about the severity of the injuries?”
Pollock replied: “Quite upset and embarrassed. I regret what I did. I wish that I did not do it.”
Prosecutors branded the attack “cowardly” and “entirely unprovoked”.
Judge Lord Bannatyne deferred sentencing for reports.
“I regret what I did. I wish that I did not do it”