SNS GroupA man who shot a person in the stomach with a high-powered crossbow in an attempted murder bid has been jailed for ten years.
Alan Bruce trained a laser on the victim before pulling the trigger on the weapon during the attack in a park in Aberdeen on November 11, 2023.
The 53-year-old – known as Snappy – had been annoyed that the man had knocked on the window of the home he shared with his elderly mum late at night.
The victim spent five days in hospital having suffered severe internal bleeding.
Bruce was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow after being convicted of attempted murder and also having a stun gun disguised as a torch following a trial in Aberdeen.
Jurors heard how the victim had turned up at a flat in the city’s Tay Road before banging on windows in the communal landing – including the one to Bruce’s bedroom.
The man then ended up in nearby Eric Hendrie Park. He became aware of Bruce tailing him and recognised his voice as he had known him for 30 years.
Bruce stated: “What the f*** do you think you are doing coming to my mum’s house at this time of night. You are going to regret this.”
The victim recalled a red dot appearing on him before he was struck in the stomach.
He told the trial: “I heard a sound like a gust of wind and then a pain in my tummy. I fell down to my knees.”
The victim pulled a crossbow bolt out of his stomach. He then shouted: “Snappy, you have just f*****g shot me.”
He later told police he believed he was going to die.
Officers went on to find crossbow boxes, bolts and a stun gun in Bruce’s home.
However, Bruce was claimed to be “the unluckiest man in Aberdeen” as he apparently had nothing to do with the attack.
He claimed not to have seen the victim that night or followed him.
Lord Renucci sentenced Bruce to ten years for the attempted murder and a concurrent five years for the stun gun charge.
The hearing was told Bruce does “now accept responsibility”.
The judge: “The writer of the (pre-sentencing) report states you have now expressed some remorse for your actions.
“You are no stranger to the courts.
“Unless you address your issues, it is very likely this will not be the last sentence that you receive.”
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