Sentence of man who chopped of disabled woman's hand in Dundee delayed again
Stephen Brisbane left the 64-year-old unconscious when he made off with her severed hand in February 2018
A man who chopped off the hand of a wheelchair bound stranger in her own home could not be sentenced today because a vital report was not ready.
Stephen Brisbane cannot be jailed for the gruesome attack on Sandra McGowan at her flat in Dundee in February 2018, until a defence report challenging a risk assessment is available.
Stephen Brisbane, who carried out the gruesome attack on Sandra McGowan at her flat in Dundee in February 2018, could face an order for lifelong restriction – the equivalent of a life sentence - imposed by judge Johanna Johnston.
The High Court in Glasgow has heard that Brisbane left the stricken 64 year-old lying unconscious on the floor – before taking her severed right hand and putting it in his mum's freezer.
The 34 year-old later claimed he struck after being had been advised by ex-US president Barack Obama to take the drug crystal meth.
Judge Johnston viewed the crime which she described as 'demonstrating extreme violence” as so serious she ordered a report on the danger Brisbane poses to the public.
He is objecting to this risk assessment and now a second one is being prepared.
Defence counsel Victoria Dow said: “The defence report is not available today.”
The court heard that Brisbane as not interviewed by the report's author, but he has examined all the background information.
Serial criminal Brisbane earlier pled guilty to assaulting Miss McGowan to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment and to the danger of her life.
Wheelchair-bound Miss McGowan who was paralysed down her left side following a stroke 14 years ago let Brisbane into her home in after believing it was her carer.
He gave her a cuddle and made her a cup of tea, before turning violent, grabbing her wrist and cutting through it with a knife.
She fainted and woke up around two hours later to find her right hand gone.
Brisbane's shocked sister later found the hand in her mother's freezer and phoned the police.
A seven-hour operation to try to re-attach the hand was unsuccessful.
Miss McGowan – who had enjoyed her independence – now needs 24-hour care.
Sentence was deferred on Brisbane until December 16.
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