Why Did a Son Stab His Father in Jail After Years of Abuse?

A shocking incident unfolded at HMP Perth in Scotland, where Lee Spence, 25, stabbed his father John during their first encounter, resulting in serious injuries. This act of violence has raised questions about the complexities of familial relationships, particularly in the context of crime and rehabilitation.

Last updated: 14 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

On 12 July 2025, Lee Spence attacked his father John in HMP Perth shortly after they met for the first time. The incident has since drawn attention to the issues surrounding familial connections in prisons. Lee has pleaded guilty to attempted murder, with the court set to impose a sentence on 9 January 2026. John, who was unaware of Lee's identity as his son, was severely injured and required immediate medical attention.

Key takeaways

Lee Spence attacked his father John during their first meeting in prison.
John was injured and needed urgent treatment at Ninewells Hospital.
Lee claimed the attack was motivated by a desire for revenge against John for alleged domestic abuse.
Lee has a history of violent offences, including a previous assault on a woman.
The sentencing for Lee's attack on his father is scheduled for January 2026.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline leading up to the recent events involving Lee and John Spence:

March 2-3, 2023: Lee Spence assaults a woman, resulting in charges of attempted murder, later reduced to assault.
September 2022: Lee receives a sentence of three years and eight months for throttling a woman.
July 12, 2025: Lee attacks John Spence with a knife in HMP Perth during their first meeting.
14 November 2023: Lee pleads guilty to attempted murder; sentencing deferred to January 9, 2026.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent court proceedings have revealed the disturbing details surrounding the attack, including Lee's motivations and his past criminal behaviour. Lee's history of violence has been a crucial factor in understanding the severity of the incident.

What was already established

Prior to this incident, Lee Spence had a known history of violent offences, including previous assaults. The familial relationship between Lee and John was also disclosed during the court proceedings, highlighting the complexities of their meeting in a prison environment.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This incident highlights the potential impact of familial violence on society, as it involves complex issues of domestic abuse and the justice system. Victims of domestic violence may find it challenging to seek help, especially when such cases involve family members.

Businesses and jobs

With Lee Spence's violent history and subsequent legal consequences, employers in sectors related to rehabilitation and social work may need to reconsider their approaches to individuals with such backgrounds. This incident could lead to increased scrutiny of hiring practices within these sectors.

Policy and regulation

As the case continues to unfold, it may prompt discussions around prison reform and how familial relationships are managed within the penal system. Policy-makers may need to examine the implications of this case for future regulations on inmate interactions.

Numbers that matter

25: Age of Lee Spence at the time of the attack.
3 years 8 months: Length of Lee's previous sentence for assault.
9 January 2026: Scheduled date for Lee's sentencing for the attempted murder of his father.

Definitions and jargon buster

Attempted murder: A charge applied when an individual is accused of trying to kill another person.
Domestic abuse: A pattern of abusive behaviour in a relationship, often involving physical, emotional, or psychological harm.
HMP Perth: Her Majesty's Prison Perth, a correctional facility in Scotland.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the sentencing date approaches, the focus will likely remain on the implications of Lee's actions and potential changes in policy regarding inmate interactions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the outcome of Lee's sentencing, there could be a review of prison policies concerning family relationships and the management of inmates with prior violent histories.

Signals to watch

Updates from the court regarding Lee's sentencing and any potential appeals.
Responses from social services and rehabilitation programmes related to domestic violence.
Changes in prison policy discussions prompted by this incident.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the legal proceedings and their implications for similar cases.
Support organisations that help victims of domestic abuse.
Encourage discussions on mental health and rehabilitation in the context of violence.

Don’t

Ignore the signs of domestic violence in any form.
Assume that familial relationships within the prison system are straightforward.
Dismiss the importance of policy reform in response to violent incidents.

Checklist

Keep track of the upcoming sentencing date.
Research local support groups for victims of domestic abuse.
Engage with community discussions on crime and rehabilitation.
Monitor any changes in prison policies related to family interactions.
Consider contributing to awareness campaigns on domestic violence.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the case unfolds, there are numerous uncertainties regarding the motivations behind Lee's attack and the implications for his future. The relationship dynamics between him and John, as well as the alleged domestic abuse allegations, complicate the narrative. It remains crucial to approach this case with caution, recognising the potential for differing interpretations based on evolving evidence.

Bottom line

This tragic incident at HMP Perth underscores the complexities of family relationships in the context of crime and rehabilitation. As the case progresses towards sentencing, it will be essential to consider the broader implications for victims of domestic abuse and the need for reform in prison policies. How society addresses these issues may shape future approaches to similar cases.

FAQs

What led to Lee Spence attacking his father?

Lee Spence attacked his father, John, motivated by a desire for revenge for alleged domestic abuse against his mother, which he believed John was responsible for.

What is the current status of Lee Spence's legal proceedings?

Lee Spence has pleaded guilty to attempted murder, and his sentencing is scheduled for 9 January 2026.

How has this incident highlighted issues within the prison system?

This incident raises concerns about how familial relationships are managed within prisons and may prompt discussions regarding policy reforms related to inmate interactions.