A 65-year-old man has admitted stabbing a neighbour on the neck after a late-night row over a motorbike. Michael Kane, of Oakbank Avenue, Wishaw, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court where he admitted assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.
Attack followed headbutt
The Crown accepted that Kane acted under provocation. The attack happened in the street where the men live on April 4 last year.
Calum Frame, prosecuting, said the victim went out to investigate after hearing a "commotion" around 9.40pm. Mr Frame told the court: "He saw Kane and a female near his motorbike.
"They appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and he challenged them as to why they were there.
"An argument took place and the Crown accepts that the victim headbutted Kane to the nose.
"Kane responded by using a knife to strike him twice on the neck, just below the left ear."
Police called to scene
The man retreated into his property, though the accused and the female did enquire if he was all right. The police were called and when officers arrived Kane told them: "He headbutted me so I had to hit him back."
Mr Frame added: "The bloodstained knife was on the ground."
The officers took the man to hospital where a 1.5cm laceration was stitched. However, there was swelling and this required to be drained as a precautionary measure. The man was discharged from hospital with anti-biotics.
Defence cites provocation
Defence lawyer Scott Jones said there had been "difficulties" between the victim and neighbours, including Kane, over a period of time.
The solicitor stated: "On the night this happened my client and his partner were walking along the street.
"He says he was doing nothing in relation to the bike and claims the victim was only looking for an excuse for an argument.
"Kane's nose was broken by the headbutt. He had a knife that he uses at work - he was still in his working clothes - but accepts he went too far in the heat of the moment."
Sentence deferred
The court heard Kane has only one previous conviction and that dates back 40 years.
Sheriff Michael Higgins deferred sentence until next month for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment, telling the accused the charge is "very serious".
