A Brechin man who stabbed a peacemaker pal in a booze-fuelled New Year attack has avoided a jail sentence.
David Ramsay was told by a sheriff he could have been looking at a double-figure prison term if the outcome of the Hogmanay party incident involving friend Jamie Caldow had involved more serious consequences.
But Forfar sheriff court was told victim Caldow miraculously suffered little injury in the incident, rejecting medical treatment after his body wound was cleaned out.
Ramsay, 21, of Bridge Street in Brechin appeared for sentence before Sheriff Pino Di Emidio after previously admitting an indictment alleging the knife assault on Mr Caldow in Brechin High Street on January 1 this year.
Defence solicitor Nick Markowski said Ramsay had a history of difficulties, but had been in better health for some months before the end of the year and had gone out with friends on Hogmanay.
“They went to various house parties and everything was going fine, but then a relatively minor argument started and Mr Ramsay became more and more angry,” said the solicitor.
“His friend Jamie Caldow tried to calm him down and the incident happened.
“It’s fortunate that the injury sustained was not significant and I think it’s fair to say that Mr Caldow could be described as a reluctant complainer.
“The wound was cleaned and he declined medical treatment. They remained friends and my client has called at his address and was allowed entry.
“He is aware, given his record, that his liberty is at risk,” said Mr Markowski.
Sheriff Di Emidio said the narrative for the case described the incident as one in which there was a scuffle in which Mr Caldow was trying to recover the knife from the accused.
“It is perhaps just good fortune both for Mr Caldow and yourself the result of this incident was not worse than it turned out to be.
“I am not surprised the Crown were not willing to bring the charge below indictment level.
“Although you have a record there has been a significant gap in offending until this matter came to light.
“One of the highest likely results of this case is that you should be imprisoned, but I can make a Community Payback Order with a number of requirements. You should be clear that if you breach the order it is very likely that you will find yourself in prison.”
Ramsay will be subject to supervision for three years and must also complete 300 hours of unpaid work within three months.
