Trio jailed for attempted murder bid in Paisley

The 31 year-old victim was attacked with a hammer, a knife and a machete during the vicious assault.

Published 30th Jan 2018

Three thugs who carried out a brutal murder bid on a man have been locked up for a total of more than 22 years.

Robert Morrison (20), James Berry (19) and Kevin Berry (27) attacked Jamie Esson in Paisley, Renfrewshire last April.

The 31 year-old victim was attacked with a hammer, a knife and a machete during the vicious assault.

The trio returned to the High Court in Glasgow having earlier been convicted of attempted murder.

Lord Kinclaven told them: ‘There is no alternative to a significant custodial sentence.’

Morrison was locked up for six years and five months.

But, he must first serve 120 days from a previous sentence having been freed early from custody when he struck.

James Berry – who was on bail at the time – was sentenced to seven years and eight months.

Kevin Berry meantime was finally jailed for eight years.

Jurors were earlier shown footage of the assault which was captured on CCTV.

Prosecutor Bernard Ablett said: ‘In attacking Jamie Esson with a knife, hammer and a machete, they all acted together with no thought of the consequences for him.

‘There was also a complete indifference as to whether he lived or died.’

The court was told the victim spent several days in hospital and has been left scarred for life.