MACHETE ATTACKER JAILED FOR FIVE YEARS

Thug sentenced after pleading guilty to ferocious assault

A vicious machete attacker has been jailed for five years after carrying out an assault that left the victim needing a blood transfusion.

Alan McFadyen repeatedly swung with the weapon, inflicting wounds as the man tried to defend himself.

On Friday a judge warned McFadyen (34) that his criminal conduct must result in “a substantial custodial disposal”.

Lord Arthurson pointed out McFadyen had gone armed with the machete as he sought out his victim. The judge said: “The crime you committed was one of considerable severity.”

He told him at the High Court in Edinburgh that he would have faced a sentence of seven years in jail but for his early guilty plea.

McFadyen admitted attacking the man on June 23 at Knightsridge West Road, Livingston, to his severe injury, permanent impairment and disfigurement and to the

danger of his life

McFadyen, a prisoner in Addiewell jail, struggled with his victim, grabbed hold of his arm and repeatedly struck him with the machete during the attack.

The court heard that without medical treatment the victim could have died from blood loss.

Lord Arthurson said McFadyen’s criminal record included possession of weapons such as knives and a cosh and has seen him serve five custodial sentences.

Defence solicitor advocate Gerard Considine said McFadyen had got into an argument and “completely lost his temper”.

He said that although he has a criminal record there was no history of substantial violence and he was remorseful for the latest offence.

Mr Considine said: “He was aware the police were looking for him. He handed himself in to the police.”