A 27-year-old man has been jailed for a vicious attack with a shovel after a Halloween party ended in violence.

Sean Campbell was in a neighbouring garden when a party row spilled outside.

He then became involved and left a party guest with life-threatening injuries including a fractured skull.

Campbell, of Keltyhill Road, Kelty, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on October 30, 2022, at Castle Avenue, Crosshill, he assaulted a man by repeatedly striking him on the head and body with a shovel, all to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.

The court was told that a woman had held a Halloween party at her home on the night of October 29.

As the night progressed and more alcohol was consumed, arguments began and at around 3am two men got into a row which spilled out into the garden.

Campbell and another male were standing in their own garden by the dividing fence and were approached by the victim who was shouting.

They all moved into the street and Campbell’s companion began fighting with the victim.

At this point, Campbell picked up a shovel and ran towards the man, repeatedly striking him on the head with it. He also struck him on the back and the victim fell to the ground bleeding heavily from the head.

The woman holding the party went outside and saw Campbell with the shovel which she recognised as her own and which had been stored in her garden.

The victim was helped back into the house and was described as being disorientated with slurred speech and saying he could not see properly.

Police officers arrived and found the victim lying on the floor, topless and with blood coming from his forehead.

He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and was found to have a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain and an 11cm cut to his head. He was kept in for observation and discharged on November 2.

A consultant neurosurgeon described the injury suffered as potentially life-threatening.

Defence solicitor Alexander Flett said his client has “significant mental health issues".

Sheriff Krista Johnston jailed Campbell for 20 months.