Men jailed for Paisley machete attack

Two men are behind bars after a machete attack on a couple.

Brian Brook and Josh McIntyre pounced on Christopher Mellon and Donna Galloway at a house in Paisley, Renfrewshire last September.

Christopher ended up needing a 22-hour operation after his hand was partially amputated.

One of the attackers was remembered due to his “laughing evil eyes”.

Brook and McIntyre – both 26 – denied being involved during a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

But, they were each convicted of attempting to murder 27 year-old Christopher and assaulting 34 year-old Donna to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

The duo were further convicted of assaulting a three year-old boy with machetes.

They were remanded in custody pending sentencing next month in Edinburgh.

McIntyre, of Pollok, Glasgow, looked close to tears as he was lead to the cells.

After the verdict, a woman – thought to be a relative of one of the pair – yelled at jurors: “I hope you can sleep at night”.

Donna recalled how the pair and a mystery accomplice were masked and wearing white forensic suits when they stormed in.

She begged them to stop – but told jurors: “I just remember a laugh or like 'yes'.

“I turned and all three of them were all round Chris.”

The attackers eventually fled – the victims badly hurt and the living room covered in blood.

The trial heard Chris needed extensive surgery to re-attach his fingers and his left hand.

He also suffered a fractured skull following the attack.

Prosecutor Craig Findlater asked the forklift truck driver how his life had been affected.

Chris: “I can't hold my sons' hands crossing the road. I don't have full movement or control in my hands.

“I am going to lose my job. My employers are terminating my contract.”

He told the advocate depute of being “100% sure” Brooks and McIntyre were involved.

Donna – who suffered cuts to her head and shoulder – said one of the duo had “laughing evil eyes”.

She added: “There is something distinctive about his eyes but I don't know what it is.”

It was claimed during the trial that Brook and McIntyre had been held as a result of “mistaken identity”.

It emerged spray painter Brook, of the city's Thornliebank, already had convictions for assault and robbery as well as having an offensive weapon.

Lord Brodie deferred sentencing for reports.

Detective Sergeant Ross MacDonald said: “This has been one of the most horrifying attacks I have seen, forcing entry in broad daylight to a house with young children within and displaying such a level of violence is beyond comprehension.

“I would personally like to thank the family and the witnesses for their courage in coming forward and giving evidence. It has been an incredibly difficult time.

“The local community of Ferguslie Park was shocked by this heinous crime and offered its full co-operation and support, proving that people will not stand by and accept such vicious attacks. There is nothing I can say to convey the horror this family has suffered at the hands of these two vile and violent men. It is something they will live with for the rest of their lives."

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