Alness man jailed for three years after drunken knife slash attack

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, who was slashed in the face.

McLeod had earlier admitted assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement and appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court for sentence after a background report had been prepared.

His solicitor advocate Clare Russell said: "Various blades were pulled by various parties but unfortunately my client went further.

"He is under no illusion that the only appropriate sentence is one of imprisonment."

Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald jailed him for three years backdated to March 25, his date of remand.

But she added he would be supervised after his release for a year "to protect the public."

Previously fiscal depute Naomi Duffy-Welsh told the court that Mr Gordon had been drinking for several days and described himself as "mortal drunk" as he continued drinking with McLeod and others.

"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 Macdonald was told that there was a struggle, McLeod placed Gordon in a headlock and then struck him on the head with his knife.

Gordon suffered bleeding from a cut cheek, a deep wound to his temple and other facial cuts including a slit nostril.