Inverness carjacking and brutal attack left well-known elderly businessman in intensive care; two men jailed for 54 months each at Inverness Sheriff Court

Two men who carjacked a well known Inverness businessman in "a disgusting and brutal attack" were sentenced to 54 months each in custody.

Calum Ross and Matthew Bell appeared before Sheriff Sara Matheson by video link for the assault on chocolatier Lucas Story at the city's Sheriff Court and she told both: "These offences are of the utmost seriousness.

"The local community was shocked and appalled by the unprovoked attack on a 71-year-old man on his way to work at 9 o’clock in the morning.

"It had grave consequences for your victim who had to spend time in the intensive care unit, trauma unit and in surgery and he is unable to work. It is the measure of your victim that in his impact statement his emphasis is not on himself but others, particularly his wife as he can no longer work.

"By your thuggish behaviour, you have taken a lot from him. This was a disgusting and brutal attack and I can mark the public's disapproval by keeping you off the streets."

Bell's sentence will start immediately but 19-year-old Ross had his backdated to December 20, 2023 when he was remanded in custody. At a previous hearing, the court heard that Mr Story was on his way to work in his van in the city and spent 10 days in intensive care after the vicious attack by 24-year-old Bell and Ross.

Mr Story's van was flagged down by Ross and Bell on Merlewood Road, Inverness on the morning of December 19, 2023 who said they wanted a lift.

But when Mr Story refused and drove off, a can of beer was thrown at his vehicle which he stopped to check the damage.

However the court heard that this prompted Ross, a detainee at Polmont Young Offender's Institution and Bell of Benula Road, Inverness to launch a sustained assault by repeatedly punching the 71-year-old on the head after they said: "we are going to take the van."

Fiscal depute Pauline Gair told Sheriff Matheson: "He reached for his mobile phone to call the police but it was taken from him. Mr Story attempted to get back into his van to make good his escape but the van keys were taken from him.

"He then felt himself being repeatedly struck to the back of his legs, causing him to fall to the ground. He attempted to get back up using a fence to hold on to, however was unable to get to his van."

Bell then got into the van and started the engine but the courageous Mr Story managed to get back up and got on to the bonnet of his vehicle in an attempt to prevent Bell from stealing it.#

Mrs Gair went on: "Bell drove the van a short distance before applying the brakes causing Mr Story to slide off. He was hurt and lying on the ground and observed Ross leave the van and run away before Bell tried to reverse the van back up the road. But he was unable to get it into gear and ran away."

The prosecutor added that a witness saw the assault taking place and phoned the police and a search of the area was ordered while Mr Story was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

He was in hospital for several weeks and had many surgeries with more likely to be required, Sheriff Matheson was told. He can no longer work.

About 9.35am, Bell was found hiding under a bush in the Ness Islands, where he got rid of the jacket he was wearing. It was recovered later. Ross tried to flee the police by crossing the ice cold river and had to be rescued by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service from an earth mound in the Ness.#

Police saw him discard a phone, a bank card and a white powder into the river and he was heard making various threats to the officers.

Mrs Gair said he had to be taken to Raigmore Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.

Ross and Bell admitted assault to severe injury, danger of life, permanent disfigurement, impairment and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Bell's lawyer, David Patterson said: "He has been on a very slippery slope for a number of years. His life has been chaotic and transient marked by substance misuse triggered by the break-down of a relationship,

"He is quite ashamed of what he did and regularly expresses remorse."

Ross's solicitor, Marc Dickson said of his client: "It is accepted it is reprehensible and unforgiveable behaviour. He has a diagnosis of mental health disorders and had a difficult start in life. In the psychiatric report, he has expressed his remorse."