'Obsessed' tenant who tried to murder housing officer caged for battering victim

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A tenant whose “obsession” with his housing association landlords led him to try to kill one of its officials has been caged for eight years.Scott Nairns, 52, battered 63-year-old housing officer John Hay so badly that his victim spent 17 days in hospital and said in a victim impact statement that he was still suffering from the physical and psychological effects of the attack.The murder bid, in the common close of Nairn's flat in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, on 3 March 2022 caused Mr Hay multiple facial fractures, a bleed on the brain, and partial collapse of both lungs.In addition to the lengthy prison sentence, which was backdated to March 2022 when he was first remanded in custody, Nairns was made subject to a non-harassment order banning him from ever contacting Mr Hay again.He will also remain under strict social work supervision for two years following his release and will be subject to recall to prison if he breaches the conditions of his licence.Nairns appeared for sentence at the High Court in Livingston on Wednesday after earlier being convicted by a jury of assaulting Mr Hay to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement, permanent impairment and danger of his life, and attempting to murder him.The jury heard that Mr Hay had gone into the block of flats in Glynwed Court to put up a notice about recycling before the attack.He staggered into the street dazed and disorientated and the sight of him covered in blood was described as so “horrific” it stopped lunchtime traffic.Two drivers who abandoned their cars to go to his aid said he was so soaked in his own blood they could not see the colour of his hair.They said Mr Hay had a “vacant” look in his eyes and kept repeating “I need to get away”.Get the latest news sent