Teenagers jailed after using hammer in murder bid

Two teenagers who attacked a man with a hammer have each been jailed for six years for attempted murder.

Jacob Ross and Liam Mackinnon were both 18 when they repeatedly struck their victim on his head and body, the High Court in Edinburgh heard.

He was also punched, kicked and jumped on during the assault in Bannockburn on 23 February last year.

A judge told Ross and Mackinnon, who are now both 19, they would have been sentenced to 11 years each if they had been older.

The two men had earlier denied assault and attempted murder charges, but were convicted of the crime.

Judge John Morris KC said it was "an extremely serious" assault and only a substantial custodial sentence was appropriate.

He said: "I take into account, as I must, your young age."

The judge said he had also taken into account their difficult backgrounds.

He imposed a total sentence of eight years each on them, with the jail term to be followed by a two-year period in the community when they will be on licence and could be returned to jail if they breached its conditions.

Out on bail

Ross had been freed under six separate bail orders by sheriff courts in Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow at the time the offence was committed.

The court heard that the victim knew his attackers and as far as he was concerned did not have any issues with them at the time.

He was with them in the early hours of the morning and was walking slightly ahead of them when he was struck with "a heavy object" and lost consciousness.

He was taken to hospital and underwent surgery, including an operation on his head.

One consultant said the pattern of injuries he sustained was similar to those he had seen inflicted by hammers in the past.

Defence solicitor advocate Simon Collins said Ross had shown insight into the use of alcohol and other substances.

Victoria Dow, counsel for Mackinnon, of Bannockburn, said her client had demonstrated remorse, shame and regret following the offence.

The judge made non-harassment orders prohibiting the pair contacting or attempting to contact the victim.