Man tried to murder victim with machete after being released on bail

A man who attacked his victim with a machete during an attempted murder has been jailed for eight and a half years.

David Scott struck a man with the weapon after he and his accomplices forced their way into an address in Livingston, West Lothian.

The victim raised an arm above his head to protect himself during the attack and sustained serious injuries.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Scott, 28, was assessed as posing a significant risk of serious harm.

A judge told him that he would be placed under supervision for three more years in the community, when he would be on licence, and that he could be returned to prison if he breaches the conditions.

Lady Carmichael said: “The jury found you guilty of attempted murder and of having an offensive weapon in a public place.”

Scott had amassed a substantial criminal record before he committed the murder bid on April 17, 2022, including for crimes of violence and breaching bail.

He was convicted of assaulting the man to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life and attempting to murder him.

While acting with others he forced entry to the address in Quentin Rise and repeatedly punched and kicked the victim on the head and body, repeatedly stamped on him and struck him with the machete.

Scott was also found guilty of illegally possessing the machete. The offences were committed after he was released on bail on February 28, 2021, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Defence solicitor advocate Gary Miller told the court: “In general terms, Mr Scott maintains his position, which is one of innocence.”

He said Scott was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of seven and took medication for a long period but eventually stopped because of side effects.

Mr Miller said the father of two was “associating with a very negative peer group” at the time of the offending.

He told the court: “He is keen to use the time he will be incarcerated for as positively as possible.”