Two get four years jail for '˜revenge' attack

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard of 'horrific' assault.

Shaun Murdoch had been locked up previously for stealing items from the home of his pal Kevin Paterson’s mum in Bellshill.

He and Kieran McCusker then gave Mr Paterson a battering after Murdoch had been released from prison.

Murdoch (26) and McCusker (19), both prisoners, were sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court. They admitted assaulting Mr Paterson to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and the danger of his life near the victim’s home in Mansfield Road, Bellshill, on September 14 last year.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Shiona Waldron told Murdoch: “The nature of this assault was horrific and I can only conclude it was some form of revenge for Mr Paterson reporting to the police the theft at his mother’s house for which you were jailed.

“That strikes at the very heart of the criminal justice system and in all the circumstances only a custodial sentence of some length is appropriate.”

Turning to McCusker, the sheriff said no explanation for his involvement in the attack had been given, but he had two previous convictions on indictment for crimes of violence so he deserved the same four-year sentence.

The court heard the victim was threatened, punched and kicked. He struck his head on the ground when the accused lifted him. He was then kicked on the head as he lay helpless on the ground.

Mr Paterson suffered damage to his cheekbone as well as rib and breast bone fractures. Doctors had to monitor him closely in case of damage to his heart.

Defence agents said both accused had mental health problems.

Diarmid Bruce, representing Murdoch, said his client had been abusing alcohol and valium since the death of his mother in 2014.

Murdoch claimed that before the attack he had apologised to Mr Paterson for stealing from his house and offered to repay him.

Mr Bruce told the court: “He took umbrage at the fact people doubted he would do this.”

Stephen MacBride, defending McCusker, said reports showed his client has “significant problems with anger and aggression”.

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