Man jailed for 4 years for slashing attack in Bellshill

A man who left a woman needing 70 stitches after a row about his mother has been jailed for four years. Ryan Young slashed Ellen Buchanan on the head, face and hands during the attack last April 2.

The victim only managed to get the 28 year-old away when she defended herself with a pair of scissors.

Young earlier pled guilty to assaulting Miss Buchanan to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Lord Richardson locked him up for four years and one month. He also ordered Young to be monitored for three years on his release.

He told him: "This senseless attack has left your victim scarred for life.

"Your record appears to suggest violence has become a normal part of your behaviour.

"I strongly encourage you to seek such available help to address your violent conduct."

Young was only on the streets for this latest incident after appeal sheriffs allowed him bail.

He and the victim had been at a flat in Bellshill, Lanarkshire with others on the night of the attack.

Prosecutor Mark Mohammed said there was later an argument about an earlier "incident" concerning Young's mum believed to be an alleged assault.

Young, for whatever reason, believed Miss Buchanan's brothers had been involved.

The armed thug then followed the woman as she went into the kitchen.

Mr Mohammed: "He began assaulting her with the knife by slashing her on the head and face.

"She also sustained defensive injuries. Miss Buchanan then grabbed scissors to defend herself."

A topless Young fled the flat leaving his victim injured and bleeding.

The court heard the victim needed the large amount of stitches - including one wound which needed 40 alone - as well as surgery on her right hand to repair nerve damage.

Young was later traced at a property in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire.

Rhonda Anderson, defending, today said: "His position was he 'lost it' and took a knife then attacking the woman.

"He is very much aware this would have been terrifying for her."

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