A pair of career criminals attacked a stranger and left him scarred for life the morning after they were both released early from previous prison sentences.
Liam Macdonald, 29, and Shaun McLeod, 26, had both served just half of their sentences when they were released back onto the streets from Perth Prison.
Within 24 hours of being freed on licence the duo – who had gone on a drugs binge – launched a vicious unprovoked attack in broad daylight on 55-year-old James Hutton.
Perth Sheriff Court was told that Mr Hutton, who bravely tried to fight off the duo after being set upon in Perth High Street at 9am, was left with a scar above his eye as a result of the incident.
Fiscal depute Eilidh Robertson told the court: “They both have previous convictions for violence and dishonesty and have served numerous prison terms.
“The incident was captured by Sainsburys CCTV system. Mr Hutton does not know either of the accused and had never met nor seen either of them before.”
She said Mr Hutton was on his way to buy an electricity card at 9.05 am when he saw the accused walking towards him on the busy High Street.
He heard Macdonald shouting at him, but ignored it and walked on, until he passed the pair and was grabbed and confronted by Macdonald, who was demanding £50 from him.
“Mr Hutton refused to hand over any money. Macdonald was unhappy with the response and headbutted the complainer to the head, causing him to stumble back.”
McLeod then joined in as both rained blows on Mr Hutton’s head and body until he eventually fell against the wall of a Barclays Bank.
“They walked off leaving him with blood pouring from his head,” said Ms Robertson.
“He has been left with a two centimetre long scar. It was sustained during the headbutt.”
Macdonald admitted attacking and injuring Mr Hutton and leaving him permanently disfigured as he tried to rob him on April 6. He admitted headbutting him, punching him on the head and body and pushing him against a wall.
McLeod, who knew Macdonald as they both come from Inverness, admitted repeatedly punching Mr Hutton on the head and body.
Sheriff William Wood said: “Both of you have appalling records.
“Here you are, released on licence the day before and committing acts of violence on someone completely unknown to you.
“It must have been a significant surprise and shock to him to have become involved in such an altercation at that time.”
He jailed Macdonald, who has 45 previous offences, for 12 months and McLeod for 10 months.