KINROSS LUMBERJACK JAILED FOR CHAINSAW ATTACK ON PENSIONER
A lumberjack has been sentenced to six years in prison after chasing and severely injuring an 80-year-old man with a chainsaw.Donna Sandilands, formerly known as Donald, was initially charged with attempting to murder Alexander McTavish at his Kinross residence in February.
Mr McTavish was hospitalized after defending himself with his bare hands against the armed attacker.
The attack was described as "terrifying" as Sandilands forcefully drove a chainsaw through the victim’s door and vandalized his TV.
Sandilands, who had previously sustained a head injury from a tree-felling accident a decade ago, appeared via video link at Dundee High Court for sentencing, having pled guilty to assault causing severe injury and danger to life.
The court ordered Sandilands to cease all contact with Mr McTavish and his partner.
The attack originated from a dispute over a tractor sale.
It emerged that Sandilands considered there were issues with a tractor bought for her father, and she was upset over ongoing negotiations regarding a refund or replacement.
During the incident, Sandilands drove a vehicle into the couple's garden, wielded a chainsaw, demanded money, and threatened to kill Mr McTavish if he did not comply.
When he tried to talk to her, she broke the glass of the door with the chainsaw and injured his hand, leaving his fingers hanging by the bone.
His partner called 999 and locked herself in the bathroom as Sandilands continued her assault, including striking a TV with the chainsaw.
It was also revealed that Sandilands suffered fractures and a brain injury in 2015 during a tree removal job, which affected her reactions and perception, although her mental impairment was not considered a defense.
The judge, Lord Ericht, described the attack as "horrific, terrifying, and persistent," and sentenced Sandilands to six years in prison, with lifetime non-harassment orders for Mr McTavish and his partner.
The court highlighted the severe injuries inflicted, including the loss of use of Mr McTavish’s fingers and permanent scarring, emphasizing the attack as egregious and violent.
