Inverness knife attacker jailed for five years
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A KNIFE attacker who only narrowly missed a victim’s artery has been jailed for five years over the stabbing.
Andrew Macdonald was told he was lucky he was not facing a much more serious charge following the offence in Douglas Row, Inverness, on November 4 last year. He was also arrested carrying a knife in the city centre barely a month later.
The blow he struck with the knife, which was aimed for the neck, went right through his victim Ethan Cascarino’s arm as he tried to protect himself.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard how Mr Cascarino and a friend were walking towards the city centre from the Nip Inn bar in Grant Street after 10pm on November 4. As they walked along the riverside and into Douglas Row they became aware of Macdonald and another man following them.
Depute fiscal Robert Weir said: “An argument ensued between parties and Macdonald pulled a knife out from somewhere and said to Cascarino: ‘You’re getting stabbed’.”
Mr Cascarino fled but Macdonald followed him and at the junction of Douglas Row and Friars Lane, Macdonald lifted his right arm with the knife and aimed it towards Mr Cascarino’s neck.
“The witness Cascarino blocked this with his left arm and the knife entered his arm, going right through it.”
The knife missed an artery by 1mm.
Macdonald admitted assaulting Mr Cascarino to severe injury and permanent disfigurement on November 4 and possession of a knife. He also admitted possession of a knife in High Street on December 9.
The fiscal said the area on December 9 was busy at the time with High Street revellers. Macdonald was found with a knife in his trouser pocket.
Solicitor Clare Russell said Macdonald, who had an address in Wyvis Place, Inverness, wanted the case dealt with immediately.
“It’s clear from the narrative all parties were under the influence of alcohol,” she said. “His recollection of events is non-existent.”
Sheriff Sutherland told Macdonald: “The nature of this case combined with your previous convictions means the only possible disposal is prison.”
