A man has admitted attempting to murder a Fife police officer who was left in a “fight for his life”.
Graeme Davidson pleaded guilty to the charge at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday.
The 37-year-old stabbed police constable Derek Laing at a property in Lundin Crescent in Tayport on June 29.
He had been visiting his cousin the previous night and started drinking at around 8.30pm. A neighbour phoned police a few hours later.
The court heard Mr Laing and colleagues arrived to find Davidson alone and asleep in the bedroom and when he awoke, appearing intoxicated, he questioned why they were there.
Mr Laing, of St Andrews police office and with 13 years’ service, tried to help Davidson find his clothes before leaving him sitting, dressed, on the bed.
The court heard the officer had “no cause for concern” at that time. He stood in the property’s hallway, by the kitchen door, and soon afterwards Davidson, who had not been placed in handcuffs or searched, left the bedroom in a hurry.
The officer thought Davidson was rushing to the front door but quickly realised the accused was coming towards him “at speed” with his right hand raised and holding “a long, slender item”.
Advocate Margaret Barron, prosecuting, said Mr Laing initially hoped it was a pen, before thinking he was “in a fight for my life” as the knife “made an impact to his chest”.
A picture of the weapon, measuring three-and-a-half inches in length, was shown to Lord Matthews, who was also told it left a “one-centimetre puncture wound” that was “superficial… but could have been more significant”.
Mr Laing was treated by his colleagues before being taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and was discharged at around 3.45am with two stitches.
However, as well as being “greatly concerned for his life”, the police officer has since been “struggling to cope with the effects on his wife and young family” and has sought help.
Davidson’s not guilty pleas to assault, assault to danger of life, threatening or abusive behaviour and assaulting an officer in execution of their duty were accepted by the Crown.
Lord Matthews adjourned the case until November 15 to allow for a criminal social justice work report.
Superintendent Sandy Brodie, of Fife Division, said: “This was a vicious and cowardly attack on a police officer who was simply trying to do his job and serve his community.
“We are thankful that Derek was not more seriously hurt.”
