Man treated for 10% burns, jury is told
15 February 2017
Some 10% of an island man’s body was burnt following an incident on Barra, Lochmaddy Sheriff Court has heard.
Iain Gillies suffered burns and blisters -
John Christie, of Castlebay, denies spraying a flammable substance on his head and body, then igniting the substance which burnt him to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
Forensic physician, Dr Louise Scott, who had examined photos of Mr Gilles injuries said the level of burns shown was “a lot.”
That is a tenth of your body” which would be “very, very painful,” she said.
Procurator fiscal, Karen Smith referred to notes taken when Mr Gilles was taken to St Brendan’s Hospital in Barra following a 999 call made at 2pm on the day.
She said it read: “Patient walked over to the house with burn marks, downed a bottle of whisky and we phoned an ambulance.
The fiscal queried how likely would it be for someone with Mr Gilles’ injuries to walk.
Giving evidence, Dr Scott said “much doubt” someone would be walking calmly.
“That wouldn’t happen,” she added.
The fiscal asked if a badly burnt casualty would be “speaking coherently.”
They would be “crying or screaming,” though the consumption of alcohol may be a reason if they weren’t said the doctor.
If there was no response from Mr Gilles he would have been “unconscious or near unconscious,“ she said.
The trial continues.
The jury trial is taking place in Lochmaddy Sheriff Court