The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Duo scarred stranger for life after early jail release
Court: Criminals attacked victim on morning after leaving Perth Prison
Two career criminals attacked a stranger and left him scarred for life the morning after they were both released early from jail.
Liam Macdonald, 29, and Shaun McLeod, 26, both from Inverness, had served half their respective sentences when they were released back on to the streets from Perth Prison.
Within 24 hours of being freed on licence the duo – who had gone on a drugs binge – carried out a vicious unprovoked attack in broad daylight on James Hutton.
Perth Sheriff Court was told Mr Hutton, 55, was left with a scar above his eye as a result of the incident.
Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson told the court: “They were released from Perth Prison on April 5, the day before. They both have previous convictions for violence and dishonesty and have served numerous prison terms.
“Mr Hutton does not know either of the accused and had never met nor seen them before.”
She said Mr Hutton was on his way to buy an electricity card at 9.05am when he saw the accused walking towards him on Perth’s High Street.
He heard Macdonald shouting at him, but ignored it and walked on until he passed the pair and was grabbed and confronted by Macdonald, who demanded £50 from him.
The depute fiscal said: “Macdonald followed him and caught up. He again took hold of him stating that he was due him money. Mr Hutton refused to hand over any money. Macdonald was unhappy with the response and headbutted the complainer, causing him to stumble back. He was aware he had blood running down his face.”
She said there was a further clash between them and McLeod joined in as both accused rained blows on Mr Hutton’s head and body until he eventually fell against the wall of a Barclays Bank.
“They walked off leaving him with blood pouring from his head. A member of the public was passing in a car and called the police.
“A laceration to his forehead was bleeding heavily and he was taken to Perth Royal Infirmary. He has been left with a two-centimetre scar sustained during the headbutt.”
Macdonald admitted attacking and injuring Mr Hutton and leaving him permanently disfigured as he tried to rob him on April 6.
He admitted butting him, punching him on the head and body and pushing him against a wall.
McLeod admitted repeatedly punching him on the head and body.
Sheriff William Wood said: “It must have been a significant surprise and shock to him to have become involved in such an altercation at that time.”
He jailed Macdonald – who has 45 previous offences – for 12 months.
McLeod was locked up for 10 months.