Eight-Hour Crime Spree Involving Four Attacks in Inverness
Four individuals were assaulted during an eight-hour, drug-fueled crime spree involving two women, the High Court in Edinburgh was informed.
The incidents included assaults on a woman and two taxi drivers, followed by a knife attack on a man who sustained potentially life-threatening injuries. These events occurred in Inverness over the 24th and 25th of June last year.
Gemma Robertson, aged 40, who has 63 previous convictions, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison. Her co-accused, 24-year-old Erin Birse, with 37 prior convictions, received a prison term of two years and three months. Both women will also be subject to non-harassment orders.
Details of the Offences
Both women, residents of Inverness, had earlier admitted to robbing a woman at a residence on Rosehaugh Road after Robertson assaulted her. They also pleaded guilty to assaulting and robbing a taxi driver on Mackintosh Road. Additionally, Birse admitted to assaulting and robbing another taxi driver on Rosehaugh Road.
The women further pleaded guilty to assaulting a man, causing severe injury, permanent disfigurement, and endangering his life in a knife attack at an address on Beechwood Road the following day. It was noted that both women were on bail at the time these attacks occurred.
Criminal Background and Court Proceedings
The court heard that the offences were committed over the course of an evening and night while the women were under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The knife attack on the final victim was described as "serious and potentially life threatening." Robertson and Birse were arrested by police in the early hours of 25 June at Longman Road in Inverness.
Judge Lord Harrower addressed Robertson, stating:
"Your offending has increased in seriousness, and in recent years has involved five prison sentences for assault and assault to injury, for periods of between three and 11 months."
He added:
"The social work report refers to long-standing mental health concerns, and it is clear that your dependency on drugs has played a significant part in your offending."
Regarding Birse, Lord Harrower noted her criminal history as "much shorter," but pointed out it included a conviction for assault to injury in 2019 and a recent conviction for robbery.
