Prison for Buckie thug after 'horrific' attempted murder bid
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A VIOLENT thug who took part in a horrific murder bid before attacking a stranger in the street was jailed for six years today (Thursday) after a judge was told prison has "saved his life".
Jay McIntosh (22) carried out two brutal assaults in Buckie on the same night after amassing a series of previous convictions, including for crimes of violence.
McIntosh was freed under eight separate bail orders when he committed the attempted murder and an assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement on September 2 last year.
He was remanded in custody following the attacks and his counsel, Simon Gilbride, told the High Court in Edinburgh: "He advised that the prison system has saved his life and turned him into a better person."
He said McIntosh has faced up to problems with drink and drugs, gained educational qualifications and was "now looking at potential university courses"
A judge told him that his latest offences were "brutal attacks" and he has a bad record of offending.
Lord Ericht said he would have faced a nine and a half years jail term but for his guilty pleas in the case, but it would be discounted to six years and would be consecutive to any other prison sentences he is serving.
The judge told McIntosh: "You have a chance to turn your life around during this prison sentence.
"Don't waste it."
McIntosh earlier admitted attempting to murder Barry Newlands at Burns Square, Buckie, by repeatedly stamping and kicking him on the head while acting with another.
He also carried out a serious assault on Kevin Murray at the town's Archibald Grove by striking him on the head and causing him to fall to the ground.
The court was told that Mr Newlands (22) was heard shouting "get out" before McIntosh and another man were seen attacking him as he lay on the ground in a prolonged and brutal assault. The victim was repeatedly kicked and stamped on with substantial force and the blows continued after he was knocked unconscious.
An eyewitness described the attack as "horrific".
McIntosh was seen to run off after the murder bid, raising his arms and shouting: "I'm f---ing Jay McIntosh."
The victim was found lying on his back in the middle of the road, with bleeding from his nose and mouth and laboured breathing.
He was found to have sustained a bleed to the brain and a broken jaw, nose and cheekbone. He underwent surgery for his jaw injury.
McIntosh went on to commit a further assault on a stranger in an unprovoked attack minutes after the attempted murder.
Mr Murray (33) was walking home after watching a football match and visiting a friend when he encountered McIntosh in the street. Without warning McIntosh approached him and punched him on the face, causing him to fall to the ground.
Mr Murray made it home but was in substantial pain and went to hospital. He was found to have a double fracture to his jaw and underwent surgery.
Mr Gilbride said that McIntosh was motivated to change and was helping others in the prison system.
He said: "He would like to do something around psychology or counselling."
