A vicious attacker repeatedly used a cleaver-style knife on his victim and told him “you’re lucky this is just the blunt side.”
Jordan Graham was rushed to hospital after being attacked by Ryan McLay at a flat in Leslie, by Glenrothes, on February 16 2022.
A court heard how McLay repeatedly stabbed Mr Graham on the head, body and his arm during the attack, which happened in a property in High Street.
He accused his victim of stealing drugs.
The court heard McLay, 27, used a “cleaver” style knife which had a six-inch blade.
Public rushed to help
Prosecutor Graeme Jessop told judge Lord Summers: “During this, the accused stated: ‘You’re lucky this is just the blunt side’.
“The complainer recalls blood pouring from his head at this point, onto the couch, before feeling like he lost consciousness.
“About 1045 hours the complainer was seen staggering out of the block of flats with blood on his face and then sitting on the pavement outside.
“Members of the public assisted.”
McLay was originally charged with attempted murder.
He pled guilty on Thursday at the High Court in Edinburgh to a charge of assaulting Mr Graham to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the endangerment of his life.
Mr Jessop told the court in the hours before the attack Mr Graham and McLay had spent time with each other.
Mr Graham was sleeping and was woken by McLay who went on to stab him.
“He aggressively confronted Jordan Graham about stealing drugs from him.
“This verbal altercation escalated and Ryan McLay began to assault Jordan Graham.”
McLay, who has 13 previous convictions and has served time in prison, was apprehended later in the day.
Mr Graham is expected to make a full recovery.
Lord Summers jailed McLay for four years and ordered him to be supervised by the authorities for one year following his release from custody.
