Killer jailed after slashing two men

A convicted killer who gave a man a hug - then slashed him across the face - was today jailed for four years.

Graham Lennox attacked Craig McCombe outside a shop in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire on March 5 2019.

Just months later while on remand, the 38 year-old thug struck a fellow inmate with a blade in HMP Addiewell.

At the High Court in Glasgow judge Lady Stacey ordered Lennox, who is considered a high risk of re-offending, to be monitored in the community for two years after his release.

She told him: “Both of these offences are serious matters. I've seen photographs of the people who were attacked. It cannot be tolerated - you attacked someone in the street and another in prison.”

Lennox pleaded guilty to assaulting each victim to their severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

The court heard Mr McCombe met Lennox and his brother next to Glenhove Stores in Cumbernauld.

The victim shook the hand of Lennox's sibling before the thug said: "Alright Craig, do you remember me?".

Prosecutor Michael Meehan QC went on: "He opened his arms to embrace Mr McCombe, which he did.

"As they separated, Mr McCombe felt what he thought was a punch to the face as Lennox pulled away.

"He was shocked, put his hand to his face and felt blood down his cheek.

"He noticed Lennox was holding what looked like a lock back knife."

Mr McCombe managed to boot the blade away - before Lennox stated: "You're lucky that's all you got."

The court heard Mr McCombe will be permanently scarred after suffering a six inch wound from ear to mouth.

Lennox, formerly of Saltcoats, was then on remand for a separate matter on September 6 2019 when he attacked James Cook.

The victim was in his cell when he was grabbed from behind, punched and the slashed on the head and face.

When Lennox stopped, he told him: "Stay there."

Mr Cook ended up with cuts to his face, ears and head. CCTV footage later showed Lennox as the attacker.

Lennox made headlines in December 2007 when he was locked up for nine years and seven months for the culpable homicide of off duty soldier Charles McBlain, 23, in Saltcoats, Ayrshire the previous New Year's Day.

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