Prisoner scarred for life in cell attack

A prisoner was left scarred for life after he was attacked by another inmate during a 10-second explosion of violence in a cell at Perth’s Edinburgh Road jail.

Victim John Todd was grabbed and pulled into the cell by remand prisoner Steven McAdam where he was kicked on the body - and fell to the ground.

While lying there defenceless, 24-year-old McAdam, who has a history of violence, repeatedly punched him to the face before delivering several brutal kicks to his head and body.

Just 10 seconds later, Mr Todd was seen crawling out of the cell on his hands and knees.

He was treated by a prison doctor before being taken to Perth Royal Infirmary where he had eight steristrips applied to a wound to his eye which would leave a permanent scar.

When later interviewed, the accused admitted:“I did it.”

McAdam was remanded in custody until January 8 while a community justice social work report is prepared.

He admitted assaulting the other man in Perth Prison on September 6 last year to his injury and permanent disfigurement.

McAdam was subject to three separate bail orders from Forfar Sheriff Court at the time.

Depute fiscal Lynne Mannion told the court that McAdam was seen to“beckon”Mr Todd over shortly after 1.30pm.

As he approached the cell, the accused then grabbed him and pulled him inside.

Apart from admitting he had carried out the attack, the accused gave no further explanation for what had taken place.

A solicitor for the accused conceded that custody had to be “uppermost”in the court’s mind but it was by no means a fait accompli.

He was critical of the length of time it had taken the Crown to bring the case to court.

If granted bail while the reports were prepared, he would be staying with his partner in Grange Road, Arbroath.

But Sheriff Gillian Wade said:“I do not consider it appropriate to liberate him on bail.”