A Fife man who slashed a pregnant woman with a Samurai sword after a loud music complaint has been jailed.
John McHale’s victim was left with a slash wound to two fingers when she stepped between him and her partner, who had just been to a neighbour’s door to complain about the noise.
Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court heard she has suffered psychological effects as well as permanent scarring because of the Boxing Day 2021 incident in Ossian Crescent, Methil.
McHale, 26, earlier pled guilty to an amended charge of culpably and recklessly striking the pregnant woman on the hand to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment.
Sheriff Steven Borthwick told him the harm he caused the woman was “very significant and profound” and jailed him for 16 months.
Sword attack
Prosecutor Eve McKaig told the court that around 5am on December 26 2021 the victim and her partner were woken by loud music from the home of a neighbour – McHale’s father.
The woman fruitlessly banged on the living room floor, sent texts to McHale’s father and brother and phoned the house.
Her partner went to the man’s door at around 6.30am, McHale answered and an argument ensued.
The woman heard shouting and went downstairs to investigate.
The fiscal depute said: “She saw the accused holding what she believed to be a pole, due to its length.
“The object was raised in the air.
“(The woman), concerned for (the man) whose back was turned, attempted to stand between him and the accused.
“She stated ‘I am pregnant’ and reached her hands up to prevent him swinging towards (the man).
“She then felt pain to her left hand, which began to bleed.
“(The man), upon hearing her shout ‘you have just cut my hand,’ turned towards the accused and saw him running back towards his father’s address in possession of a sword.”
She said the woman needed an operation for tendon damage and had to remain awake during surgery due to the fact she was pregnant.
‘No alternative’ to prison
Sheriff Steven Borthwick told McHale, of Cartmore Road, Lochgelly, he bears criminal responsibility for the injuries.
Referring to her victim impact statement, Sheriff Borthwick said it is not only physical injuries she struggles with but “profound effects on her mental health”
He also highlighted McHale’s “significant record of previous convictions”.
He added: “There is no alternative but a custodial sentence”.
Defence lawyer David McLaughlin had argued for a community disposal.
The lawyer said it is accepted his client did not mean to hurt anyone and emphasised his circumstances have improved since December 2021, when he was drinking too much and taking drugs.
“The difference between 2021 and today is stark.
“His attitude to this offence is appropriate; he has what appears to be significant remorse towards the complainer.”
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