Man jailed over violent gang attack in Inverness cemetery
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A conflict between Inverness families which turned violent when a victim was outnumbered six to one in an city graveyard has led to one of the gang being jailed for 36 months.
Only 39-year-old Scott Hunter, of Torvean Avenue, Inverness was prosecuted for the attack on Kurt Hercher who was knocked to the ground and struck with what Inverness Sheriff Court was told could have been a dumbell and/or a hammer.
Mr Hercher was left lying bleeding on the ground following the sustained assault on December 28, 2019 in Tomnahurich Cemetery.
He suffered four fractures to his skull, a broken eye socket, a minor displaced nasal fracture and three broken fingers on his right hand which were shattered, the court was told.
Despite his severe injuries, he managed to make it to his girlfriend's home in the city and she contacted the police.
Fiscal depute Susan Love told Sheriff Robert Frazer that Mr Hercher had messaged Hunter to meet him at the cemetery to "have a square go."
She added that there had been a history of conflict between his partner's family and Hunter's.
Mr Hercher told police that when he got there, he was jumped by six men and was hit by a weapon like a hammer before falling to the ground. Then he was kicked on the head and body.
Ms Love said: "The tip of his index finger was hanging on with one tendon and he required surgery to re-attach it."
Mr Hercher also needed four stitches to cuts on his head, as well as treatment for bruising and swelling.
"As a consequence of the assault, he was left with scars on his hand and his head," Ms Love added. "He also has little mobility in his right hand and is unable to use it for most activities."
Hunter admitted assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment, while acting with others.
Defence solicitor Patrick O'Dea said: "He was struck on the head with a hammer eight years ago and since then his health has deteriorated. He has only one conviction for violence in 2017 and has spent the equivalent of 18 months on remand."
Sheriff Fraser told Hunter there was no alternative to a prison sentence.
"You do not have the worst record this court has seen but the degree of violence cannot be ignored, nor the serious injuries caused," he said.
Hunter's sentence was backdated to November 4 last year when he was first remanded.
