Airdrie man admits violent attack

A violent thug who stabbed a friend in the neck during a heated argument is facing jail.

45 year-old Rodney Brannan from Airdrie, admitted assaulting James McAvoy at his home in the town on February 26, to the danger of his life.

Brannan was originally charged with attempting to murder Mr McAvoy, but his guilty plea to the reduced charge was accepted.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that Brannan, Mr McAvoy and two other friends were having a drink at Mr McAvoy's home when the incident took place.

Prosecutor Lindsey Dalziel said: “Another friend James Todd and the accused became involved in conversation which resulted in an argument.

“This escalated to a fight involving all parties during which Mr McAvoy grabbed a vodka bottle and struck the accused on the head.”

As a result of this Brannan went into the kitchen and grabbed a knife and stuck it in Mr McAvoy's neck, causing him to fall to the ground

The knife was taken from Brannan and thrown down on the hallway floor.

Brannan has previous convictions relating to violence and using knives.

Mr McAvoy managed to leave the house and called the police who arrived shortly after 10.30pm.

Officers entered the house and arrested Brannan who was still there. Mr McAvoy were taken to Monklands Hospital Airdrie.

Mr McAvoy was found to be suffering from a stab wound to the left side of his neck and bruising to his face.

He was transferred to the Vascular Unit at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride and kept under observation for 24 hours .

He did not require surgery, the wounds to his neck were stitched and he was discharged on March 6, 2019.

When Brannan was originally charged with assaulting Mr McAvoy he told them “Not guilty.”

Judge Sean Murphy QC deferred sentence on Brannan until next month for background reports.