ABERDEEN THUG JAILED FOR BRUTAL HOME INVASION AND STABBING OF ELDERLY MAN
A violent criminal who forced his way into the residence of a vulnerable 75-year-old supporter of Aberdeen FC and subjected him to a brutal attack has received a prison sentence of nearly five years.Driven by a mixture of alcohol and drugs, Miguel Meyler caused "traumatic" injuries to former British soldier James Clunes while attempting to steal money from his flat.After the assault, Meyler forcibly took the frail veteran to a cash machine in an attempt to rob him further.The court heard that Meyler, aged 29 and recently released from prison, had consumed crack cocaine, tranquilizers, and a litre of vodka before committing this "horrific crime" on June 25 last year.
James Clunes was left bruised, bleeding from a knife wound to his leg, and with a fractured cheekbone following Meyler’s forced entry along with another male.The attack took place after James returned home from a night out, and he was described as a three-time cancer survivor and a Scots Guards color sergeant.
His brother Stephen Clunes expressed relief that Meyler was now behind bars, stating, "He didn’t kill my brother but he took away his confidence – it was gone.
Afterwards he just wasn’t the same.
This took away his independence."Prosecutors recounted that Meyler entered James’s flat, demanded money while displaying a knife, and punched him multiple times.
He then stabbed James once in the thigh, causing bleeding, and took his wallet and cards to withdraw more money.
A member of the public intervened, and Meyler was eventually arrested by police after CCTV footage confirmed his involvement.
The evidence included a knife with Meyler’s DNA and James’s blood on the blade.Meyler, who has previous convictions in Ireland, pleaded guilty to breaking into the flat, kidnapping, assaulting, and robbing James.
His defense argued that he was overwhelmed by substance abuse and lacked support after recent release from prison.
Sheriff Graham Buchanan described the crime as "appalling," emphasizing the serious risk Meyler posed to the public.
Meyler was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison, with a further two and a half years on license.
James Clunes passed away in November last year without seeing Meyler face justice.
