Knife-wielding attacker jailed as judge slams social worker who suggested a community sentence

A JUDGE has jailed a knife-wielding attacker for nearly five years, and severely criticised a social worker for “taking leave of her senses” by suggesting the man could be given a community sentence.

Denis Duffy, 31, admitted assaulting Rory Chan, the owner of a takeaway in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, by presenting a knife at him, punching him on the head and trying to rob him on 29 December last year.

Lord Uist said at the High Court in Edinburgh that Duffy, a prisoner, would no doubt have succeeded in the robbery had it not been for the “brave efforts” of Mr Chan and a female employee.

He told Duffy he had a “deplorable record” which included seven convictions for assault and seven for breach of the peace. He accepted the accused had a history of problems with drink and gambling.

However, he added: “In light of your criminal record and the circumstances of the crime for which you now appear in this court, I am driven to the conclusion that the social worker who assessed you as presenting with a minimum level of criminogenic risks and as suitable for a community based disposal had taken leave of her senses at the time she made those assessments.

“I have no hesitation in coming to the view that you present a clear danger to the safety of the public and that an extended sentence is called for in order to protect the public from serious harm from you.”

Lord Uist jailed Duffy for four years and eight months, and ordered that he be supervised for four years at the end of the sentence.