Two men jailed 54 months each for carjacking and brutally attacking an elderly Inverness businessman, leaving him seriously injured.
The men attacked Lucas Story, a local businessman. The attack happened in Inverness. Sheriff Sara Matheson used a video link for the hearing. She called the crimes very serious, and the community felt shocked by the unprovoked attack. The victim was 71 years old.
The attack had major consequences for Mr. Story. He spent time in intensive care, and needed trauma care and surgery. He cannot work anymore because of his injuries. The judge disapproved of their thuggish actions, wanting to protect the public.
Bell’s sentence started right away. Ross, who is 19, had his sentence backdated to December 20, 2023. Mr. Story was going to work in his van when he was attacked by Bell, 24, and Ross on December 19, 2023.
Ross and Bell stopped Mr. Story’s van and asked him for a ride. When he refused and drove away, someone threw a beer can at his van. He stopped to check the damage, and Ross and Bell then attacked him.
The men repeatedly punched him in the head, stating they would take the van. Mr. Story tried to call the police, but they took his cell phone. He tried to get back in his van, but the men grabbed his van keys.
Next, they repeatedly kicked his legs, causing him to fall to the ground. He tried to use a fence to get up, but could not reach his van. Bell got into the van and started it, and Mr. Story got on the van’s hood to stop Bell from stealing it.
Bell drove a short distance and braked, causing Mr. Story to slide off and get hurt. Ross left the van and ran, and Bell, unable to back up the van, ran away too. A witness saw the attack and called the police.
Police searched the area. Mr. Story went to the hospital and needed treatment for his injuries. He spent several weeks in the hospital, had several surgeries, and may need more. He is unable to work now.
Police found Bell hiding under a bush at 9:35 am in the Ness Islands area. He discarded his jacket, which police recovered later. Ross swam across the cold river to escape, but the fire department rescued him.
Ross discarded a phone and bank card. He also threw white powder into the river and threatened the officers. They took him to the hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia.
Ross and Bell admitted to the assault and trying to obstruct justice. Bell’s lawyer said he was ashamed and expressed his remorse. Substance misuse, triggered by a broken relationship, caused his actions. Ross’s lawyer said his actions were unforgivable given his mental health issues. He expressed remorse in a psychiatric report, attributing his actions to a difficult start in life.