A man from Inverness has been jailed for eleven and a half years after carrying out two violent machete attacks in the city that left both victims with serious and lasting injuries.
Malcolm Macleod, aged thirty one, was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday eighteen November for the attempted murders, which took place in separate incidents earlier last year.
He first targeted twenty nine year old Jay Williamson in Gilbert Street in January before attacking forty seven year old Brian MacLeod in Dunabban Road in May.
Both men required emergency treatment in hospital and continue to recover from injuries described in court as life changing.
Police Scotland said the level of violence used in each attack was shocking and that the victims and their families have endured immense trauma as a result.
Detective Constable Chris MacAulay said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes and marks an important moment for the victims.
“These were shocking and violent attacks which left both the victims traumatised and with life changing injuries,” he said.
“Macleod will now face the consequences of his actions.”
He said the case underlined the wider dangers posed by the use of weapons and the devastating impact they can have on individuals, families and communities.
“We are committed to tackling all forms of violent crime and the use of offensive weapons,” he said.
“They have a negative influence on our communities and can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims, their families and those who use them.”
Police Scotland said serious incidents of this kind remain rare in the Highlands, but the investigation and court case highlight the importance of continued work across the region to keep communities safe.
Officers carried out extensive enquiries following both attacks, speaking to witnesses, gathering evidence across multiple locations and providing reassurance to residents who were shaken by the violence.
The court heard that both victims endured significant physical and emotional trauma and that their recoveries will take time.
The sentencing brings closure to a long investigation and offers the victims and their families some measure of reassurance that the justice system has recognised the full impact of what happened.
Police say they will continue to work with partners across Inverness and the Highlands to reduce violence, discourage the carrying of weapons and protect communities from further harm.
“We continue to work with partners to make our communities safer,” MacAulay said.
