A Dundee man attacked a 79-year-old pensioner with a spade after downing several bottles of tonic wine Buckfast, a court was told.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard that Michael Smith was so drunk he woke up in a police cell hours after the attack and asked why he was there.
The 27-year-old was found hiding under a hedge with the spade after attacking and threatening to kill Thomas McGovern on Kinghorne Road last November.
Smith, who has previous convictions for assault and drug offences, will be sentenced next month.
Depute fiscal Trina Sinclair told the court that Mr and Mrs McGovern were leaving a vehicle outside their house when Smith approached and attempted to open their car door.
Ms Sinclair said: “The vehicle drove off and Mr McGovern shouted at him.
“Accused Smith became angry, approached Thomas McGovern and shouted ‘who the **** do you think you are, I have a machete in my jacket.’
“The accused appeared to reach into his jacket then punched Mr McGovern once on the face.”
Mr McGovern staggered and fell into a hedge and Smith kicked him on the stomach. Smith then repeatedly reached into his jacket and said: “I am going to get my machete and kill you.”
Ms Sinclair said: “Fearing for his life, Mr McGovern grabbed a broom and attempted to hit the accused.
“The accused armed himself with a spade and attempted to strike Mr McGovern who held up his hand to try and stop the blow.
“The accused walked off but continued to shout along the lines of ‘I know where you live and I will be back to get you’.”
The police were called and Smith was found nearby with the spade, hiding under a bush.
Scott Norrie, defending, said his client had never met Mr McGovern before and that the incident was completely out of character.
He said: “This is not his thing. His recollection is nil. He told me that he was drinking Buckfast and had several bottles prior to this incident.
“The only thing he recalls is waking up at police headquarters in the cells and asking staff there what he had done. It’s bizarre, he can’t offer any explanation.”
Smith, of Fairbairn Street, admitted assault and a breach of the peace on November 13.
Sheriff Elizabeth Munro told Smith: “This is really very worrying, not remembering a thing about it. That is the most alarming aspect. You should be worried about drinking yourself into that situation.”
Sentence was deferred for reports and a restriction of liberty order assessment until August 25.