Knifeman slashed pal after pub row

Published 15 Sep 2009 14:00

Victim needed 18 stitches in his face

A KNIFE-wielding man left his life-long friend disfigured after an argument spiralled into a bloody knife attack.

Prior to slashing his pal, John Crawford, 24, had already attacked another man with the same lock-back blade.

And when police arrived at the scene there was blood on the floor and the knife was lying in a bin, Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday.

Crawford was arrested and police found a small locking blade in a bin in the house.

The first victim was treated for a laceration to his left jaw, while the second victim was given 18 stitches to his wound.

Crawford pled guilty to one count of assault to injury and permanent disfigurement and to one count of assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement on Ross Walk, Renton, on May 9 this year.

Ms Lynch, defending, told the court Crawford's criminal record was mainly for traffic offences and breaching the peace.

She said he had been drinking in a pub that night when he was assaulted - triggering the chain of events which led to him wielding the knife.

Ms Lynch said when Crawford returned home one of the group next door threw something, damaging a window, and then took the knife and headed outside.

She added: "He fully accepts the gravity of events and accepts only custody is available to the court."

Sheriff Simon Pender sentenced Crawford, formerly of 5 Ross Walk, Renton, to an extended sentence of four years and four months in jail followed by four years released on licence.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 15 Sep 09

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