Violent gang attack at Tomnahurich Cemetery in Inverness left man with fractured skull

A conflict between Inverness families turned violent when six men staged an attack on a man who had gone to a local graveyard to have a "square go" with one of them.

Kurt Hercher was knocked to the ground and struck with weapons which Inverness Sheriff Court was told could have been a dumbbell and/ or a hammer.

Mr Hercher was left lying bleeding following the sustained assault on December 28, 2019 in Tomnahurich Cemetery, Inverness.

Despite his severe injuries, the court was told, 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 39-year-old Scott Hunter of the city's Torvean Avenue 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 hit by a weapon like a hammer before falling to the ground. Then he was kicked on the head and body.

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.

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," the fiscal depute said.

"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.

Sentence was deferred until July 4 for a background report and Hunter was remanded in custody meantime.