CRAIG MACLEOD FROM INVERNESS SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS FOR VIOLENCE AND THREATS IN INVERNESS AND STORNOWAY

Craig MacLeod, a resident of Thornbush Road in Inverness, has been sentenced to serve a prison term of 15 months following a series of alarming and violent incidents that spanned several locations, including Inverness and Stornoway. The court heard detailed accounts of MacLeod’s aggressive behavior, which included threats, vandalism, and possession of weapons, all of which contributed to the severity of his sentencing.

According to court records, MacLeod, aged 34, had previously admitted to threatening his former partner on two separate occasions, once in June 2022 and again in January 2023. The first incident took place in South Kessock, where MacLeod arrived heavily intoxicated at his ex-partner’s residence. Witnesses reported that he shouted and swore outside her home, creating a tense and intimidating atmosphere. Less than thirty minutes later, MacLeod returned to the same address, forcibly entered the property, and issued threats to his ex-partner’s new partner. During this confrontation, he reportedly said, "I could easily beat you up now since we are not together. I could easily finish you off," a statement that underscored the violent intent behind his actions. Fortunately, a neighbor intervened during this altercation, prompting MacLeod to leave the scene.

In a separate incident on January 14 in Stornoway, MacLeod’s violent streak was again on display. He damaged two vehicles using a knife and threatened the vehicle owners when they challenged him. Following this act of vandalism, MacLeod proceeded to the home of his ex-partner’s family members. There, he engaged in shouting and swearing before brandishing a knife in their general direction, further escalating his violent behavior. These actions led to multiple charges, including threatening behavior, vandalism, possession of knives, and failure to appear at a court hearing in the Western Isles.

The pattern of violence and threats continued outside the Waterfront bar on Huntly Street in Inverness on July 28. Witnesses saw MacLeod with a knife, and when police approached him, he attempted to flee. Officers eventually located him nearby, where he was found wielding the weapon and pointing it at the officers. In response, the police used PAVA spray to disarm him and took him into custody. During the arrest, MacLeod shouted abuse at the officers and admitted to further charges related to threatening behavior and possession of a knife.

Additional troubling incidents occurred outside his residence, where MacLeod was observed shouting, swearing, and smashing windows. A passing delivery driver was subjected to racist abuse by MacLeod, highlighting a disturbing element of his conduct. His solicitor provided context, revealing that MacLeod suffers from underlying substance misuse issues and has experienced a traumatic brain injury, factors that have been linked to his escalating criminal behavior. Despite being under drug treatment and testing orders, MacLeod repeatedly disregarded societal rules, engaging in violent acts and carrying knives.

The sheriff overseeing the case emphasized the need to remove MacLeod from society, citing his continued lack of concern for the safety and well-being of others. His sentence was backdated to March 17, the date he was remanded in custody, and he was ordered to serve 15 months in prison. The court’s proceedings underscored a pattern of threatening, violent, and racist conduct, which ultimately led to his imprisonment and highlighted the ongoing issues related to his behavior.