Alness knife offence ‘clearly merits a prison sentence’, sheriff warns
TWO Easter Ross men armed themselves with knives after a lengthy drinking session and attacked each other, with one saying: "I have nothing to live for."
The incident happened in 31-year-old Shaun McLeod's home at Riverside Road, Alness on March 24 this year, involving the second man, Gavin Gordon.
Fiscal depute Naomi Duffy-Welsh told Inverness Sheriff Court that Mr Gordon had been drinking for several days and described himself as "mortal drunk" as he continued drinking with McLeod and others.
SEE ALSO
Ross-shire newsletter direct to your inbox twice a week free
"Mcleod ordered them out and had a knife in his hand," the prosecutor said.
She added that there was an argument over bottles of alcohol which had been drunk and Gordon went into the kitchen and returned with a knife.
"He can't remember anything after that. The accused tried to strike him on the side with his knife, but Gavin Gordon's puffer jacket saved him from being injured.
"Mr Gordon said: 'If you want to kill me, kill me. I have nothing to live for. Go on then’."
Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald was told that there was a struggle, McLeod placed Gordon in a headlock and then struck him on the head with his knife.
He admitted assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
Gordon suffered bleeding from a cut cheek, a deep wound to his temple and other facial cuts including a slit nostril.
Sheriff Macdonald deferred sentence until August 26 for a background report and McLeod was remanded in custody.
But the sheriff warned him: "Clearly this offence merits a prison sentence but a report may be of assistance to offer alternatives."
