TONY CARTNEY SHOCKS EDINBURGH WITH BRUTAL STABBING INCIDENT IN ARBROATH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Tony Cartney, a 49-year-old man originally from Edinburgh, was involved in a violent domestic altercation that resulted in his wife, Leigh, suffering a severe stab wound to the chest. The incident took place after a night out in Arbroath, where the couple had been drinking together. According to reports, the confrontation escalated at their family residence on Buick Drive, leading to a tragic and violent act that has left lasting scars.

Initially, Cartney was charged with attempted murder on September 8, 2018, in connection with the attack. However, during proceedings, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault by striking his wife with a knife. The attack caused significant injuries, including permanent disfigurement and a threat to her life, marking it as a serious and concerning incident.

The case was brought before the High Court in Edinburgh, where Judge Lord Boyd of Duncansby delivered the sentence. Recognizing the gravity of the offense, the judge nonetheless considered the circumstances to be exceptional. Cartney, who was a first-time offender, demonstrated remorse for his actions, and there was no indication that he posed a danger to the wider public. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to complete a community payback order, which includes three years of supervision and the requirement to perform 300 hours of unpaid community service.

During the sentencing, the court took into account a victim impact statement from Mrs. Cartney. She expressed a complex emotional response, stating her desire to continue her relationship with her husband despite the trauma. She described their enforced separation as akin to experiencing a bereavement, highlighting the emotional toll of the incident.

Defense lawyer Kris Gilmartin explained that Leigh and her family had forgiven Tony, emphasizing that he was under significant stress at the time and had been struggling with alcohol abuse. Since the incident, he has sought help and has abstained from drinking. The court acknowledged that the true punishment lay in the remorse shown and the harm caused, and it was noted that there were no issues related to public protection in this case.