A man has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for attempting to murder his father in a calculated and violent attack at HMP Perth. Lee Spence, 25, used a blade to inflict a severe wound on his father’s head and neck, requiring more than 40 stitches, during their first encounter in prison on July 12 last year.
Spence admitted to assaulting his father, John Spence, with the intent to kill him when he appeared in court in November. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Spence carried out the attack due to unresolved grievances related to his father’s alleged mistreatment of his mother when he was an infant. Despite having no prior contact, both men were incarcerated in the same prison wing.
During sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Renucci imposed a sentence of eight years and three months in custody, followed by three years of supervision upon release. The judge condemned the attack as savage, premeditated, and unprovoked, highlighting Spence’s lack of remorse and intent to cause harm.
Spence’s defense counsel, Gordon Martin KC, acknowledged his client’s responsibility for the offense and cited his challenging upbringing marked by adverse childhood experiences. The court was informed that Spence’s father received medical treatment at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee post-incident.
Lord Renucci cautioned Spence about his criminal history, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation to prevent prolonged incarceration. The judge urged Spence to address his offending behavior to avoid a future spent primarily behind bars.
