Inverness woman jailed for ‘brutal’ stabbing admits attempted mugging in Highland capital

The Inverness mother, who was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh last week for the “savage” stabbing of an Aberdeen woman in May last year, was today sentenced to 13 months in prison for attempted robbery in the Highlands. capital city.

Marc Dickson, lawyer for Leah Petrie, who has been sentenced to prison at HMP Grampian, said she was “in the grip of a significant drug addiction” but was “now drug free”.

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Petrie admitted assaulting Kerry McDonald as she walked home on King Street in Inverness on January 25, 2022.

Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald was told Petrie was with two men when they attacked Ms McDonald and demanded drugs from her.

Inverness Sheriff Court He heard Petrie grab his victim by the hair, punch her repeatedly in the head, and knock her to the ground. One of his friends then put Ms McDonald in a headlock and scratched the woman’s face while stuffing his fingers into her mouth.

Last Thursday, Petrie and Candice Seers, 38, were sentenced by Lord Lake for injuring 12 people and endangering the life of Tina Stewart, 33, in the attack.

Lord Lake described it as “brutal”.

Mr Dickson told Sheriff Macdonald: “Around 2022 his life took a terrible turn. His mother had died and his relationship had ended. “This was a hammer blow to him and his life was thrown into a chaotic spell.

“He was taking illegal substances, lost his housing and reached a low point, becoming addicted to heavy drugs. However, during his time in custody he became drug free. However, he will need help when he is released. He behaved in an unacceptable way.”

Sheriff Macdonald told Petrie: “If you attack someone with the intention of robbing them, there is always the possibility of a custodial sentence. This sentence will take effect from today.”

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