A man has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for a violent and planned attack on his father in prison. Lee Spence, 25, used a blade to injure his father at HMP Perth, causing a severe wound that required more than 40 stitches. Spence admitted to assaulting his father and attempting to murder him during a court appearance in Edinburgh last November.
The court learned that Spence attacked his father because of alleged mistreatment of his mother when he was a baby. Despite having no prior relationship, both men were inmates in the same prison wing. Lord Renucci, the presiding judge, handed Spence an extended sentence of eight years and three months behind bars, followed by three years of supervision upon release.
Describing the attack as savage and unprovoked, Lord Renucci criticized Spence for showing no remorse and emphasized the seriousness of the attempted murder. The court noted Spence’s criminal history and warned him of the consequences if he does not address his behavior.
Spence’s father received medical treatment at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee after the incident. In court, Spence’s legal representative acknowledged his client’s responsibility for the offense and highlighted Spence’s challenging upbringing and adverse childhood experiences.