Easter Ross man (21) who seriously injured two men in brutal attacks is jailed for 32 months as Inverness Sheriff Court hears details of incidents in Tain and near Dornoch

A 21-year-old Tain man who abducted two men and subjected them to a terrifying and brutal assault was jailed for a total of 32 months yesterday.

Ryan Urquhart appeared for sentence at Inverness Sheriff Court on three charges involving two separate incidents where there were three victims.

He admitted two charges of abduction, assault to severe injury and robbery and another of assault to serious injury.

Sheriff Robert Frazer was told about a New Year's Day incident in 2021 when Urquhart, described as a prisoner at Polmont, arrived at a property at Pitgrudy Farm, Dornoch with another unnamed man who was armed with a meat cleaver.

Several people were inside and two of them - Billy More and Joe Mackay - were the victims.

The court heard the dispute was over a £30 debt. A struggle ensued and the unnamed man struck Mr More on the back of his head with the meat cleaver.

The fight continued with others present getting involved and Urquhart used an extendable metal baton to strike Messrs More and Mackay repeatedly.

The court was told that the other man threatened to cut Mr More's head off with the cleaver and to burn his house down before both victims were tied up with cable ties and Mr More's phone and wallet stolen.

Mr More required a total of eight stitches to his wounds and Mr MacKay needed 12.

The court also heard details of an incident on February 12, 2021 at Mansfield Estate, Tain where David Boyle (45) was assaulted and suffered significant facial injuries, requiring a total of 21 stitches to four wounds.

He was also covered in pink paint, by Urquhart, who with another unnamed man repeatedly punched and kicked Mr Boyle.

Sheriff Robert Frazer described Urquhart as "posing a risk" to the public and placed him under 12 months supervision on his release.