Blind man attacked in Alness by another wielding a metal pole, Highland court is told
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A 50-YEAR -OLD blind man was attacked with a metal pole which broke during the assault in Alness.
Ryan McLennan, of Holm Burn Place, Inverness, also had a large kitchen knife the day after which he produced in a second incident in the Easter Ross town’s Westford housing estate on February 20.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that McLennan told two women he met while walking away from the assault that he had done it because his victim “had been cheeky to someone”.
The 27-year-old admitted, on indictment, the assault, a charge of threatening behaviour and a breach of a bail condition not to enter Westford.
Fiscal depute Alex Swain told Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald that James Seel had been struck repeatedly on the head with the metal pole which broke. He suffered several cuts and a black eye.
The following day, McLennan returned to Westford under the influence of drugs.
Defence solicitor advocate Shahid Latif said: “He had experienced a mental collapse during those days.” He reserved further comment until the next hearing.
Deferring sentence for a background report until August 30, Sheriff Macdonald told McLennan: “These are appalling offences, but I would urge you to continue with the work you have been doing in relation to your mental health.”
She allowed McLennan’s bail to continue.
