A shocking incident unfolded within the walls of HMP Perth, as a 25-year-old man, Lee Spence, carried out a premeditated knife attack on his biological father, John, whom he had never met before. The High Court in Edinburgh heard how this tragic first encounter occurred on July 12, 2025, during a violent attempted murder.
The prosecution detailed that John, who was also incarcerated at the time, had no knowledge of Lee’s identity or their paternal connection. Conversely, Lee Spence was acutely aware of his father’s presence and was motivated by a desire for retribution, stemming from allegations of domestic abuse his mother suffered at John’s hands during Lee’s infancy.
Following the assault, which saw John sustain injuries to his head and neck, Lee Spence made immediate and self-incriminating statements to prison officers. He reportedly justified his actions by referencing his mother’s past trauma, stating he had “slashed the complainer as he had assaulted his mother when he was a baby.”
This disturbing case highlights the complex and often painful family histories that can tragically converge in unexpected places, such as correctional facilities. For local residents in Perth and Kinross, the news of such a deeply personal and violent act occurring within their community’s prison may evoke a range of emotions, from shock to concern about the underlying societal issues that lead to such events. The Weight of Past Allegations
The court was told that John, the victim, had been aware of having a son from a prior relationship but was completely oblivious to Lee’s identity or that they were confined on the same wing. This stark contrast in awareness underscores the profound and deeply personal nature of Lee’s motivation, which reportedly stemmed from long-held grievances relayed by his mother regarding John’s alleged abusive behaviour decades ago.
Lee Spence, originally from Leslie in Fife, has a history of previous convictions. Notably, in September 2022, he received a prison sentence exceeding three years for an assault that left a woman unconscious. Although initially facing an attempted murder charge in that instance, he admitted to a lesser charge of assault to danger of life. This prior record undoubtedly contributes to the gravity with which his latest actions are viewed by the justice system.
During Friday’s proceedings, defence solicitor advocate Gordon Martin KC informed Lord Renucci that his client genuinely believed the allegations made by his mother, stating, “He had no reason to doubt her.” This belief, however misguided in its violent manifestation, formed the core of his perceived justification for the assault. The Incident and Its Aftermath
The court heard that the incident began when John, in search of a cup, inadvertently walked into his son’s cell. It was during this unplanned encounter that Lee launched his attack with a knife. Following the violent confrontation, Lee Spence told prison officers he had disposed of the weapon by flushing it down the toilet, further illustrating his immediate and calculated response to the event.
Lord Renucci, presiding over the case, deferred sentencing for comprehensive background reports on Lee Spence. This step is crucial for understanding the full context of his actions and ensuring an appropriate judicial response. The formal sentencing is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on January 9, 2026. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved family histories and the critical role of the justice system in addressing acts of violence, even within the confines of the penal system.
The prosecution detailed that John, who was also incarcerated at the time, had no knowledge of Lee’s identity or their paternal connection. Conversely, Lee Spence was acutely aware of his father’s presence and was motivated by a desire for retribution, stemming from allegations of domestic abuse his mother suffered at John’s hands during Lee’s infancy.
Following the assault, which saw John sustain injuries to his head and neck, Lee Spence made immediate and self-incriminating statements to prison officers. He reportedly justified his actions by referencing his mother’s past trauma, stating he had “slashed the complainer as he had assaulted his mother when he was a baby.”
This disturbing case highlights the complex and often painful family histories that can tragically converge in unexpected places, such as correctional facilities. For local residents in Perth and Kinross, the news of such a deeply personal and violent act occurring within their community’s prison may evoke a range of emotions, from shock to concern about the underlying societal issues that lead to such events. The Weight of Past Allegations
The court was told that John, the victim, had been aware of having a son from a prior relationship but was completely oblivious to Lee’s identity or that they were confined on the same wing. This stark contrast in awareness underscores the profound and deeply personal nature of Lee’s motivation, which reportedly stemmed from long-held grievances relayed by his mother regarding John’s alleged abusive behaviour decades ago.
Lee Spence, originally from Leslie in Fife, has a history of previous convictions. Notably, in September 2022, he received a prison sentence exceeding three years for an assault that left a woman unconscious. Although initially facing an attempted murder charge in that instance, he admitted to a lesser charge of assault to danger of life. This prior record undoubtedly contributes to the gravity with which his latest actions are viewed by the justice system.
During Friday’s proceedings, defence solicitor advocate Gordon Martin KC informed Lord Renucci that his client genuinely believed the allegations made by his mother, stating, “He had no reason to doubt her.” This belief, however misguided in its violent manifestation, formed the core of his perceived justification for the assault. The Incident and Its Aftermath
The court heard that the incident began when John, in search of a cup, inadvertently walked into his son’s cell. It was during this unplanned encounter that Lee launched his attack with a knife. Following the violent confrontation, Lee Spence told prison officers he had disposed of the weapon by flushing it down the toilet, further illustrating his immediate and calculated response to the event.
Lord Renucci, presiding over the case, deferred sentencing for comprehensive background reports on Lee Spence. This step is crucial for understanding the full context of his actions and ensuring an appropriate judicial response. The formal sentencing is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on January 9, 2026. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved family histories and the critical role of the justice system in addressing acts of violence, even within the confines of the penal system.