An Angus man faces lifelong restriction of his liberty for stabbing a stranger at a house party.
Derek Campbell, 22, repeatedly stabbed the stranger in an unprovoked attack at a house on Market Street, Montrose, in January.
The accused had been drinking at the home of a friend’s sister and the victim was also at the party.
Campbell demanded more drink and, when he was told he would not be getting any more, turned on his victim with a large kitchen knife.
The man suffered a number of “forceful blows” and had slash marks from his mid-thigh to mid-calf area.
Campbell’s sentence had been deferred for the preparation of a psychological report, and the decision over his future now lies with the High Court.
Sheriff Gregor Murray said he was “very grateful” to Campbell for his frank interviews with psychologists and social workers, but was troubled by several matters in front of him.
He said: “This was an unprovoked, sustained attack with a knife on someone who had no reason to fear you.
“Despite your young age, you have served three custodial sentences, two of which are for severe assault.
“You live life by your own code, not that which society sets for you to live by,” the sheriff said.
Defending Campbell, solicitor Nick Whelan said: “When I was in conversation with Mr Campbell this morning it struck me one particular outcome would be for his case to be remitted to the High Court.”
An order for lifelong restriction consists of a sentence of imprisonment or detention for an indeterminate period, which is then followed by a lifelong “risk management” plan.
Sheriff Murray said that he considered Campbell suitable for such an order, but that he did not have the sentencing powers to do so, and that he “must remit your case to the High Court”.
Campbell, a prisoner, was criticised by the same sheriff for his contempt of court on his previous appearance at Arbroath Sheriff Court.
The accused delivered a foul-mouthed tirade towards Sheriff Murray after lashing out at the suggestion that he should cooperate with the compilation of social work reports.
Following a volley of responses littered with swearing, Campbell was given the lunchtime adjournment to cool off, before making a U-turn over his resistance to participating in an interview with social workers.