Moray man jailed for 10 years over Elgin attempted murder

An attempted murderer has been jailed for more than a decade for a “wicked” and “callous” attack on his ex-partner.

David Cairney admitted permanently disfiguring and impairing the woman during the assault in an Elgin property, which only ended after police officers pulled him from the victim.

His ex-partner suffered numerous, life-threatening blunt force trauma injuries to her face and neck.

When officers arrived, they saw Cairney sitting on top of the unconscious woman, repeatedly punching her to the head and hitting it off the ground.

He continued attacking his victim until officers were able to forcibly remove him from atop her prone body.

The 34-year-old also struck his ex-partner on the body with a skateboard.

His actions were witnessed by two men who were forced to climb out of a window during the attack, while calling the police for help.

On August 8, at the High Court in Dundee, he was given a 13-and-a-half-year extended sentence, with 10 years and six months to be served in custody.

Detective Sergeant Robert Williams said: “This was a sustained, brutal, and violent attack which left Cairney’s victim with life-threatening injuries.

“He must now face the consequences of his despicable actions.

“We hope this outcome brings some measure of justice and closure to the victim.

“Such acts of violence will not be tolerated, and Police Scotland remains committed to pursuing those responsible of such crimes, bringing them to justice.”

Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “David Cairney showed a callous disregard for the safety and wellbeing of his then partner.

“Our thoughts and best wishes remain with her as she continues to deal with the lasting trauma caused by this violent individual.

“Cairney will now have to face the consequences of his wicked actions.

“COPFS remains committed to prosecuting crimes of violence and domestic abuse, which are an unacceptable blight on our communities.

“I would encourage all victims or witnesses of similar offending to come forward, report their experiences and seek support.”

The court heard how Cairney’s ex-partner will suffer long term impairments as a consequence of the attack, which took place on February 15, 2022.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said officers were called to the property at around 7.50pm.

The victim was then taken to hospital for the treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Cairney pleaded guilty to the attempted murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow on June 28.

His sentence included a non-harassment order banning him from contacting or attempting to contact his victim for an indefinite period.