A persistent offender who slashed a man’s throat in a violent street assault has been jailed for nine years.
Steven Clarke used a blade on a mutlitool to inflict a 10cm injury on David West’s neck during the attempted murder attack in Arbroath.
A judge told Clarke, 42, at the High Court in Edinburgh that his behaviour was appalling and ordered that he should be under supervision in the community for a further two years when he can be returned to prison if he breaches licence conditions.
Lord Renucci said that although Clarke earlier went to trial denying the offence he now accepted he committed the attack and that his actions could have resulted in the death of the victim.
‘No stranger to the courts’
The judge pointed out that the attack on Mr West continued when he was lying helpless on the ground.
Lord Renucci said that Clarke has amassed 43 previous convictions prior to the murder bid and told him: “You are clearly no stranger to the courts.”
Clarke’s convictions include offences of violence and carrying weapons.
Clarke, of Brechin Road, Arbroath, was found guilty of assaulting his victim to his severe injury, to the danger of his life and attempting to murder him on January 13 2023 at the town’s Lindsay Street.
During the murder bid he repeatedly slapped and punched the victim on the head resulting in him falling to the ground.
Clarke made threats of violence and sat on him and repeatedly struck him on the neck with the weapon.
He was also convicted of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
Insulted his mother
The court heard that Clarke now claimed that the attack came about because the victim had insulted his mother.
During his earlier trial at the High Court in Dundee Clarke claimed that he struck out with his hand as he defended himself against the victim who he said came towards him “in a rage”.
He claimed that Mr West had already sustained the neck wound when he encountered him in the street.
Defence solicitor advocate Richard Souter, for Clarke, said: “He has a long history of drug and alcohol misuse and also a long history of offending before the court.”
He said that Clarke has suffered from poor physical health and anxiety and depression.
He said: “He understands he will receive a custodial sentence today.”
For more local court content visit our page or join us on Facebook.
