A man who assaulted a vulnerable individual in Perth city centre has been spared jail time, despite fleeing during his trial. Duane Haney, 43, from Hawick, was sentenced to community service and a restriction of liberty order for his role in the attack, which took place in St John’s Place in January 2022.
The assault, captured on CCTV, involved Haney and his co-accused, Mharie McRitchie, 32, of Scone. Footage showed McRitchie stealing the victim’s mobile phone, after which Haney stamped on the victim’s head. The victim, identified as Johnathan Lindsay, was unknown to both attackers. He sustained injuries during the assault and provided a statement to the police detailing his ordeal. Sheriff Cites Remorse, Coercion in Sentencing Decision
Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC acknowledged Haney’s remorse and the fact he initially attempted to de-escalate the situation before resorting to violence. The Sheriff also noted that Haney was influenced by McRitchie and was not the primary instigator of the assault. However, Sheriff Bain emphasized the vulnerability of the victim, Mr. Lindsay, and the unprovoked nature of the attack. Despite Haney’s history of violent offenses, Sheriff Bain determined that a community-based sentence was appropriate. He was sentenced to 250 hours of unpaid work, a four-month restriction of liberty order, and a year of supervision. This combination aims to address his behavior while contributing positively to the Perth and Kinross community. Co-Accused Awaits Further Assessment
McRitchie, who was found guilty of assault and robbery, also absconded during the trial. Her solicitor, Linda Clark, attributed McRitchie’s flight to anxiety related to the court process. The Sheriff has ordered a further psychological assessment for McRitchie, delaying her sentencing until July. The Sheriff also addressed McRitchie’s previous record, suggesting that her current offences normally warrant prison time. She urged her to take advantage of this assessment, suggesting her future would heavily depend on her conduct and her engagement with the psychological assessment ordered.
The incident has raised concerns about safety and vulnerability in Perth city centre, particularly in areas like St. John’s Place, which links several popular streets and is frequented by tourists and locals alike. The upcoming sentencing of McRitchie is anticipated to provide a degree of closure for Mr. Lindsay, as the legal proceedings conclude and the focus shifts toward the healing and well-being of the victim.
The assault, captured on CCTV, involved Haney and his co-accused, Mharie McRitchie, 32, of Scone. Footage showed McRitchie stealing the victim’s mobile phone, after which Haney stamped on the victim’s head. The victim, identified as Johnathan Lindsay, was unknown to both attackers. He sustained injuries during the assault and provided a statement to the police detailing his ordeal. Sheriff Cites Remorse, Coercion in Sentencing Decision
Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC acknowledged Haney’s remorse and the fact he initially attempted to de-escalate the situation before resorting to violence. The Sheriff also noted that Haney was influenced by McRitchie and was not the primary instigator of the assault. However, Sheriff Bain emphasized the vulnerability of the victim, Mr. Lindsay, and the unprovoked nature of the attack. Despite Haney’s history of violent offenses, Sheriff Bain determined that a community-based sentence was appropriate. He was sentenced to 250 hours of unpaid work, a four-month restriction of liberty order, and a year of supervision. This combination aims to address his behavior while contributing positively to the Perth and Kinross community. Co-Accused Awaits Further Assessment
McRitchie, who was found guilty of assault and robbery, also absconded during the trial. Her solicitor, Linda Clark, attributed McRitchie’s flight to anxiety related to the court process. The Sheriff has ordered a further psychological assessment for McRitchie, delaying her sentencing until July. The Sheriff also addressed McRitchie’s previous record, suggesting that her current offences normally warrant prison time. She urged her to take advantage of this assessment, suggesting her future would heavily depend on her conduct and her engagement with the psychological assessment ordered.
The incident has raised concerns about safety and vulnerability in Perth city centre, particularly in areas like St. John’s Place, which links several popular streets and is frequented by tourists and locals alike. The upcoming sentencing of McRitchie is anticipated to provide a degree of closure for Mr. Lindsay, as the legal proceedings conclude and the focus shifts toward the healing and well-being of the victim.