Man jailed for more than 11 years for Inverness machete attacks

A man who carried out two attacks with a machete in Inverness has been jailed for 11-and-a-half years at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Malcolm Macleod, 31, admitted attempting to murder Jay Williamson at Gilbert Street on 15 January last year.

He repeatedly hit his victim on the head and body to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.

Macleod also admitted assaulting Brian MacLeod at an address in Dunabban Road on 17 May last year by striking him on the face to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Judge Lord Young said a criminal justice social work report told of Macleod’s problems with aggression and anger, especially after having alcohol or cannabis.

The judge said a mother and her young children witnessed the attempted murder.

“This must have been a terrifying event, both for your victim and those passersby,” he told Macleod.

“I agree with the assessment in the criminal justice social work report that you will continue to pose a high risk of causing harm to others.”

The judge ordered that Macleod, who has five previous convictions for assault, should be subject to strict supervision in the community for a further period of two years and six months when he is released from prison.

Macleod, a prisoner in Inverness, had earlier admitted to carrying out the attacks.

The court heard that he had turned up at Mr Williamson’s home and challenged him to a fight.

Mr Williamson had tried to fend him off with a sweeping brush.

The second assault had followed an argument about money.

Defence counsel Lorenzo Alonzi said Macleod had “an unhappy background” but had shown remorse over the offences.