Woman’s hand allegedly cut off by man with knife

A MAN allegedly cut off a “vulnerable” woman’s right hand with a knife.

Stephen Brisbane, of no fixed abode, appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday.

He has been charged with severing Sandra McGowan’s hand.

The 62-year-old remains in hospital and her family are hopeful that her hand can be successfully reattached.

They said Ms McGowan was a “vulnerable woman” but added that she was under the care of surgeons at Ninewells Hospital and “it could have been worse”.

Brisbane is alleged to have cut Ms McGowan’s hand off with a knife, Sandra McGowan causing permanent impairment, permanent disfigurement and endangering her life.

The 32-year-old allegedly carried out the attack in South Road, in the Charleston area of Dundee, on Wednesday.

He made no plea during his brief court appearance, when he was represented by solicitor advocate Kris Gilmartin.

The case was continued for further examination.

The Crown applied for a psychiatric assessment order, which was granted by Sheriff Alastair Carmichael.

Brisbane is expected to appear again at the city’s sheriff court next week.

Emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, were called to South Road after reports of an incident on Valentine’s Day.

CID and forensics officers entered Ms McGowan’s property as part of the investigation.

An officer was seen standing guard at the scene yesterday.

A family member told the Tele yesterday: “She was in surgery on Wednesday.

“Her hand had been taken off and they were trying to reattach it.

“That is as much as we know at the moment — but it could have been worse.”

Residents reported seeing police in the area just after 8am on Wednesday.

James Gordon, 53, said he was a friend of Sandra.

Speaking on the day she was injured, he said: “I saw the police outside her front door just after 8am.”

Eileen Murray, 59, who has lived in the area for more than three years, said: “I noticed two police cars outside one of the properties at around 8.45am on Wednesday.

“A plain clothes officer came to my door just after 9am.”

An officer stands guard outside a property in South Road.