Man admits gangland machete attack after street ambush

A man has admitted attacking a businessman with a machete after ambushing him outside his home during a major gang feud.

Anthony Brown repeatedly struck David McMillan in Pitcairn Grove, Edinburgh, last May.

McMillan - who has links to drug dealer Mark Richardson - survived the hit after a security guard he had hired to keep watch at his house stepped in to try and save him.

Brown, 50, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to assaulting McMillan, 54, to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.

In December Arran Reid was jailed for eight years and four months after pleading guilty to the same charges.

And earlier this month getaway driver Joshua Stewart was jailed for three years and eight months after admitting his role in the attack.

Four men have also been jailed for a series of fire-raising attacks, including one outside McMillan's home two weeks before the machete assault.

Brown was one of more than 60 people arrested by Police Scotland during Operation Portaledge.

It was launched following a series of assaults, shootings and firebombings in Edinburgh and Glasgow last year.

The High Court in Glasgow heard Brown was a passenger in a Land Rover Discovery when it stopped in Pitcairn Grove, Edinburgh, at about 21:15 on 22 May last year.

Prosecutor Caroline MacBride told the court that McMillan - who was described in court as a businessman - had hired a security guard to be parked outside his detached property amid the escalating feud.

The Land Rover was spotted driving past before it turned round and stopped outside McMillan's home.

MacBride said: "The security guard sounded his horn which alerted Mr McMillan.

"He exited his home in possession of a machete.

"Mr McMillan walked over his front garden onto the road towards the Land Rover.

"As he did, three individuals exited the vehicle in possession of machetes."

The court heard the assailants were all wearing balaclavas.

Footage of what happened next was shown in court.

McMillan was repeatedly struck with the machetes while on the pavement outside.

He shouted: "You are going to kill me."

McMillan initially stayed on his feet, but ended up slumped on the ground.

The security guard jumped in to try and protect him and swung a crowbar at the attackers as he yelled: "Leave him. That is enough."

The suspects then jumped back into the Land Rover and the vehicle sped off.

McMillan, who initially had a blue jumper over his shoulders, used the garment to cover his face and head.

Paramedics arrived at the scene but McMillan declined an offer of a drive to hospital due to fears for his family.

MacBride said: "He indicated that he wanted to stay at home despite his injuries."

The court heard later that night McMillan was stopped by police in a car described as being driven "erratically".

This time he was escorted to hospital where he was treated for fractures as well as wounds to his skull and left forearm.

MacBride added: "Mr McMillan declined to provide a statement."

Sentence was deferred until next month pending background reports and Brown was remanded in custody.

Det Chief Supt Dave Ferry said: "Another individual has been convicted in relation to this violent incident.

"This conviction is testament to the hard work and dedication by detectives, specialist officers and partners across the country."