A sheriff jailed a man for a knife attack – after telling him he was lucky not to be facing a murder charge.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that Kevin McKay stabbed the man after a feud had simmered between them for months.
It happened on Harestone Road, Wishaw, on March 8 last year.
McKay, 43, of Mid Barrwood Road, Kilsyth, admitted assault to severe injury and was sent to prison for 14 months.
Sheriff John Hamilton told him: “Carrying a knife is bad enough but you struck the victim with the knife and on that basis the custody threshold has been crossed.
“Your record includes some not insignificant violence. You will be well aware that the consequences of carrying a knife can be extremely serious.
“You could end up at the High Court for murder. I’ve seen it over 35 years, people saying they didn’t expect it to turn out that way when someone is dead.
“It cannot be allowed because of the danger to society and for those reasons I’m imposing a custodial sentence.”
The court heard that on the day of the attack the victim drove up and parked beside McKay who got out of his vehicle.
McKay then told him “You won’t ever pull a knife on me again” before stabbing him.
His lawyer told the court: “He has difficulties with substance abuse and regrets his actions.
“He has no other matters outstanding and would comply with any order the court sees fit.”
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