SENTENCING STATEMENTS

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When deciding a sentence, a judge must deal with the offence that the offender has been convicted of, taking into account the unique circumstances of each particular case. The judge will carefully consider the facts that are presented to the Court by both the prosecution and by the defence.

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Read more about victims of crime and sentencing.

HMA v Donald Gunn Sandilands also known as Donna Sandilands

Aug 27, 2025

At the High Court in Dundee, Lord Ericht sentenced Donald Gunn Sandilands (also known as Donna Sandilands) to 6 years' imprisonment after the offender pled guilty to assault to severe injury, permanent impairment, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.

On sentencing, Lord Ericht said:

"You have pled guilty to the charge of pursuing Mr Alexander McTavish with a chainsaw and brandishing same at him, uttering threats of violence, entering his house and repeatedly striking him on the body with a chainsaw to his severe injury, permanent impairment, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.

Mr McTavish was in his own home sitting watching television with his partner Christine Divito when you drove through his gate. When he came outside, you started a chainsaw and threatened to kill him. When he retreated indoors you put the chainsaw through a gap between glass panels of the door, breaking the glass, and then pushed the chainsaw through the gap striking Mr McTavish on the left hip and the left hand. Mr McTavish attempted to push the chainsaw away and the chainsaw struck his hand again. His fingers were hanging by the bone. Ms Divito ran to a bathroom, locked the door and called 999. She emerged to find Mr McTavish in the living room holding his side. When you saw her you revved the chainsaw and struck the television three times.

Mr McTavish fled the house and you pursued him with the chainsaw. He fell but managed to get to his feet again and continued running.

You put down the chainsaw only when a firearms officer drew his Taser.

Mr McTavish required surgery to his left hand. There was significant damage to the tendons which were repaired but he has been left with permanent scarring and impairment. Mr McTavish has permanently lost the use of the second and third fingers on his left hand. An injury to Mr McTavish’s left side did not require stitches and was cleaned and bandaged.

I have listened carefully to what your counsel has said today on your behalf and the contents of the Criminal Justice Social Work Report. I have also considered a Victim Impact Statement from Mr McTavish.

You have no relevant convictions. Psychiatric assessments from two doctors confirm that you are fit for trial, and that you do not have a mental disorder of a nature or severity requiring treatment in hospital.

This was a horrific, terrifying, persistent attack on an eighty year old man at his own home. There is no alternative to a custodial sentence.

Had you not pled guilty at an early stage I would have sentenced you to a period of imprisonment of 9 years. However because of your guilty plea I will sentence you to a period of imprisonment of 6 years. The sentence will be backdated to 11 February 2025.

I impose a non-harassment order that you do not by any means (including directly, by telephone, letter or electronic means such as e mail text message or video call) approach or contact or attempt to approach or contact Mr McTavish or Christine Divito for an indefinite period.

If you are found to have breached this order then you may be punished which can be by imprisonment."