A popular Moray entertainer who was the victim of an axe attack in his home spoke of his relief last night as the “evil people” behind it were jailed for almost three years.
Andy Layton James said he was glad justice had been done on June McIntosh, 60, from Rathven and 45-year-old John Fisher, of Wishaw, who attacked the singer in his Findochty home more than two years ago.
The pair were each sentenced to 33 months behind bars when they appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday.
Speaking after the verdict, club singer Mr Layton James said: “I’m just glad justice is served at last on these evil people.
“It has been a nightmare and I have been suicidal at times.”
McIntosh, of 3 Connage Cottages in Rathven, and Fisher, of 39 KIlmichael Avenue in Wishaw, were found guilty of assaulting Mr Layton James to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement in December last year following a trial at Elgin Sheriff Court.
The pair let themselves in through an unsecured door at his home in Findlochty’s Reidhaven Crescent, before shoving the singer to the ground, striking him repeatedly with an axe and stabbing him with a knife.
Mr Layton James managed to flee from the property to a neighbour’s house and the 56-year-old was then taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
Jurors found the case against Fisher’s brother Alexander, of Airdrie, not proven.
Detective Sergeant Neil Campbell, said at the time: “This was a targeted and nasty assault on an individual who was simply going about their own business.”
Buckie councillor Gordon McDonald: “Andy is known by everybody. He is very popular.”
Mr Layton James, real name Andrew Smith, is well known for his lively singing performances at venues across the north-east and beyond.
He has appeared on several TV shows, performed for celebrities including Vinnie Jones and Gillian Taylforth, and has taken part in a week-long stint in west end musical 125th Street.
He fears he will never know the reason behind the assault, but was determined to move on with his life.
He said: “She took my ex-partner’s side after we broke up, but I don’t know what caused the attack and I guess I never will.
“I will just try to dismiss it all now and carry on with my work – making people happy is what I’m all about.”
