A chocolatier reflects on the consequences of a violent crime that changed his life forever.
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In a shocking incident that has left the Inverness community reeling, master chocolatier Lucas Story, 71, has spoken out about the devastating impact of a violent attack on his life and business. The owner of Story Chocolates, a beloved local establishment, was assaulted by two young men who treated reality as if it were a video game, reminiscent of the notorious Grand Theft Auto series.
The attack that changed everything
On December 19, 2023, Mr. Story was driving to work when he was flagged down by Callum Ross and Matthew Bell, who were under the influence of drugs. After refusing to give them a lift, Mr.
Story became the target of their aggression. The pair threw a beer can at his van, prompting him to stop and assess the damage. In a brutal turn of events, they attacked him, leaving him with severe injuries that would ultimately force him to close his business.
“Every step I take reminds me of that awful day,” Mr. Story recounted, highlighting the ongoing trauma he endures. He now relies on a foot brace, crutches, and sometimes a wheelchair, a constant reminder of the violence he faced. The emotional scars are just as profound, as he continues to experience nightmares about the incident.
The consequences of violence
The repercussions of this attack extend beyond Mr. Story’s physical injuries. The chocolatier expressed deep concern for his staff, who lost their jobs due to the closure of Story Chocolates. “I can no longer work. My staff lost their jobs – that’s what the actions of these two people have done,” he lamented.
In court, both attackers were sentenced to four years and five months in prison for their crimes, which included assault with severe injury and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Their actions have not only altered Mr. Story’s life but have also shocked the local community, which has rallied around him in support.
Reflections on youth and responsibility
Mr. Story’s reflections on the incident reveal a broader commentary on youth and accountability. He noted, “There are a lot of good young people, but some of them think life is a video game.” This sentiment underscores a growing concern about the desensitization to violence that can stem from video games and media portrayals of crime.
Despite the pain and suffering he has endured, Mr. Story remains hopeful that the young men who attacked him can turn their lives around during their time in prison. “They still have time,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and the choices individuals make.
A community’s response
The Inverness community has shown immense support for Mr. Story, with many expressing their outrage over the attack. The local sheriff described the assault as “disgusting and brutal,” highlighting the shock felt by residents at the unprovoked nature of the crime against an elderly man simply going to work.
As Mr. Story navigates this challenging chapter of his life, he remains grateful for the support he has received from his staff and the community. He plans to express his gratitude to those who helped him during his ordeal, including the police and witnesses, by gifting them boxes of chocolates, a small gesture from a man whose life has been forever altered by violence.
