A Dundee man appeared in court yesterday charged with chopping off a pensioner’s hand.
Stephen Brisbane, 32, appeared in private and on petition at Dundee Sheriff Court charged with the serious assault of Charleston woman Sandra McGowan.
It is alleged that Brisbane severed Ms McGowan’s right hand with a knife in her South Road home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Ms McGowan is now being treated at Ninewells Hospital.
Surgeons at the hospital are understood to have attempted to reattach the wheelchair-bound woman’s hand.
A family member said: “There is no logic to what has happened.
“It is crazy what has happened to this vulnerable woman.
“She was in surgery yesterday. The hand was taken off and they were trying to reattach it, but that is as much as we know at the moment.
“We are going back up to the hospital today.”
Brisbane, of no fixed abode, made no plea and was remanded in custody for further examination.
Defence agent Kris Gilmartin made no motion for bail and Brisbane was ordered for psychiatric assessment by Sheriff Alastair Carmichael.
Psychiatrists will examine Brisbane, to see if he is fit to stand trial.
The Crown alleges Brisbane assaulted Sandra McGowan, severed her right hand with a knife to her severe injury, permanent impairment and permanent disfigurement to the danger of her life on February 14 on South Road.
A large police presence attended the scene at around 8am on Wednesday, with forensics officers working through the day.
A police cordon was set up and officers were still in place outside the single storey sheltered accommodation yesterday afternoon.
Detectives spoke to residents close to Ms McGowan’s home and neighbours spoke of their shock following the disturbance.
pamalik@thecourier.co.uk
