Trial for man accused of police attack

An alleged knifeman accused of trying to kill two police officers is due to face trial.

William Taylor, 43, is accused of the attempted murders of PCS Laura Sayer, 39, and Kenny Mackenzie, 43, in Greenock on 1 June. Taylor, of Greenock, was arrested following an incident in the town’s Gateside Gardens after the officers were called to assist a doctor.

PC Sayer suffered slash wounds to her arms, while PC Mackenzie was slashed on the face and neck.

Taylor appeared in the dock at Greenock Sheriff Court last Monday facing four charges: two of attempted murder, one of behaving in a threatening or abusive way and one of resisting arrest.

He is charged with trying to kill the officers by raining blows on them with a knife. Prosecutors claim he carried out a life-threatening attack on PC Mackenzie in an attempt to kill him by striking him on the head and body with a knife, leaving him scarred for life and badly hurt.

They also claim Taylor tried to murder PC Sayer by repeatedly striking her on the body with a knife to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Taylor, represented by defence solicitor Terry Gallanagh, made no plea and was remanded in custody to Carstairs as the treatment order he is the subject of was continued. No court dates have been set.