Man jailed for 18 months at Inverness Sheriff Court for knife-assault stabbing in Invergordon, Easter Ross
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A DISPUTE between neighbours left one stabbed in the stomach and the attacker saving his victim's life.
David Wood of Station Road, Leven in Fife was living in Invergordon's High Street on October 24, 2020 when the attack took place.
The 33 year old denied assaulting James Porter to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.
After a trial before a jury last month, Wood was found guilty of the offence but under provocation.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that Wood and Mr Porter, who lived opposite each other, fell out over some roll-up filters and cigarette papers.
The jury heard evidence that Mr Porter fetched some martial arts sticks and hit Wood over the head.
This prompted Wood to go back to his property before returning to Mr Porter's with a knife. He then stabbed Mr Porter in the abdomen and body, causing a punctured lung and an abdominal haemorrhage.
The court was told that Wood called the emergency services as his neighbour lay bleeding heavily on the ground. He administered first aid until an ambulance crew arrived.
Mr Porter was then taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness where he underwent life-saving surgery.
He has been left with a stomach scar.
After conviction, Sheriff Sara Matheson deferred sentence for a background report.
Defence solicitor Patrick O'Dea asked the sheriff to impose a community based disposal. He said: "After the incident, he stood by, rendered first aid and co-operated fully with the police. He is not a person without moral compass."
However the Sheriff decided that the threshold for prison had been crossed and there was no alternative to custody. She jailed him for 18 months.
She said: "The jury accepted that you acted under provocation but you have been found guilty of assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life with a knife."
