Inverness man jailed after ‘nasty and unfortunate incident’ with knife
A knife attack victim refused surgery despite his hand being slashed by a blade and partly severed tendons in three of his fingers.
The incident happened in a property in Inverness's Anderson Street on June 12, 2022 when 40-year-old William Black and a woman went round to Mark Lennan's house to borrow some tobacco.
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Fiscal depute Naomi Duffy-Welsh told Sheriff Gary Aitken that an argument developed in the kitchen and a knife was produced.
"Mark Lennan had his hand on the blade but the accused pulled the knife back and sliced Mr Lennan's fingers,” she told Inverness Sheriff Court.
"He was taken to hospital where the wounds were treated and antibiotics prescribed. He was also advised to return the following day for surgery but he didn't.
"Three fingers of his left hand were injured and partially severed tendons were visible."
Father-of-four Black, described as an Inverness prisoner, admitted assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment.
Defence solicitor advocate Shahid Latif said his client had an extensive record which was redolent of a man who "for much of his life has suffered from addictions and he has become institutionalised.
"But prison has been a source of calm for him - he feels valued there and is addressed by name. He has taken advantage of courses there to better himself and there is a network of support prepared for him on his release."
Sheriff Aitken told Black: "Given the nature of the charge and your previous convictions, you recognise that only a custodial sentence is appropriate here. This was a nasty and unfortunate incident which should not have happened.
"But it is a sad reflection that prison is the only place where you feel valued and respected.”
Black was jailed for a total of 16 months, backdated to April 2 this year.
