A violent Ayrshire criminal who attempted to murder a former coworker with a knife has been sentenced to nine years in prison.
On February 4, 2023, William Cunningham, a high-risk sex offender and convicted thug, ambushed Gordon McLeod outside of his Catrine house while wearing a mask and motorbike gear.
The 29-year-old victim, covered in blood, only escaped by running to a nearby business.
In October, he entered a guilty plea to a charge of attempted murder.
The 57-year-old was already convicted of numerous crimes, including child abuse and the same offence.
In 2010 he was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) because of the risk he posed to children.
A year later, Cunningham made news when he vanished after crossing the SOPO and was found on the Tibetan monks’ Holy Isle in the Firth of Clyde.
According to Lord Scott, he had made up his mind not to investigate the idea of placing Cunningham under an Order for Lifelong Restriction.
Rather, he handed down a nine-year sentence, with the thugs being under supervision for an additional six years after their release.
Lord Scott said: “The nature of the offence, your convictions and the (pre-sentencing) report make it clear you pose a serious risk of harm to the public.”
Cunningham, who was most recently employed at an Ayrshire bed store, had briefly collaborated with Mr. McLeod in 2022.
The thug had “never shown any aggression” towards Mr. McLeod, according to reports.
Cunningham had referred to the victim’s partner as his “goddaughter”; the victim had also been seeing this young woman.
Claims that the couple had later problems were brought before the court. She had mentioned seeing another male as well.
Later, the woman made plans to gather possessions, and Cunningham accompanied her to Mr. McLeod’s flat.
They were travelling with one of her pals in a taxi. Someone described the mood as “weird”.
Then, Cunningham could hear the woman whispering to him, “This better not come back to us.”
Cunningham dug into his backpack and produced a black COVID mask and leather gloves.
Then, a knife was seen protruding from his pocket; however, he said it was “nothing”.
Cunningham exited the vehicle while sporting a leather jacket featuring motorcycle pictures and a black bandana.
“I think Billy is going to do something to do something to Gordon,” the woman said to her buddy. If he goes, this will be better for all of us.”
Later on, Mr McLeod left his flat after receiving a “sharp blow” to the back.
Gordon McLeod spun around and seen a man in black trying to cover his face with his arm, according to prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel.
“He noticed a flash of a blade – Cunningham gave him a stomach stab.”
“Gordon McLeod kicked out, there was a struggle and Cunningham slashed him on the right side of the face.”
Shocked bystanders immediately administered first aid to the sufferer as they fled to the shop.
The ‘goddaughter’ of Cunningham was reported to have ‘fallen’ in face as sirens sounded on the street.
“I believe Billy has attacked Gordon,” she said.
The victim, according to the court, required hospital care for injuries to his face, wrist, fingers, and stomach as well as his underarms.
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