Dundee murderer Robbie McIntosh will remain in prison

A convicted murderer who tried to kill a second woman while she was on home release will not be released from prison after a parole hearing.

Robbie McIntosh attacked Linda McDonald in 2017 while he was on home leave from prison where he was serving a sentence for the murder of Anne Nicoll.

It is understood no application for release has been made on McIntosh’s behalf and the case will be heard within two years.

McIntosh was jailed for a minimum of five years for the attack on Ms McDonald and was also given a life restraining order (OLR), meaning he may never leave prison.

Miss McDonald was walking her dog in Templeton Forest, Dundee, when McIntosh ran up to her and began beating her with a dumbbell.

McIntosh only stopped hitting Ms McDonald with the stick when two passersby came to her aid.

At the time of the attack in August 2017, he was serving a life sentence for the stabbing death of Anne Nicoll at Dundee Law 16 years ago.

Parole was being considered in this case and home leave had been granted in preparation.

Ms McDonald previously told BBC Scotland News that she had forgiven McIntosh and that her anger was directed at the checks, which she believed had failed to protect her from McIntosh.

McIntosh is eligible to apply for parole for the first time in 2022, when he is halfway through his five-year sentence for the attempted murder of Ms McDonald.

No application for release was made at that time.

Parole reviews are done automatically at certain intervals, but inmates can opt out of these reviews.

BBC Scotland has approached the Scottish Parole Board for comment.