Kilmarnock man jailed for stabbing victim 27 times

A Kilmarnock man who stabbed his victim 27 times and left lying him in the road has been jailed for seven years. Daniel Johnstone was caught after a trail of blood led police straight to him.

The 25 year-old admitted attempting to murder Paul Sullivan, 26, in Balmoral Road, Kilmarnock on March 28 this year.

He pleaded guilty to the charge during proceedings at he High Court in Glasgow last month.

Judge Lord Kinclaven heard that police and paramedics rushed to the scene after a security guard who was walking past the scene found Mr Sullivan.

He had to undergo surgery to repair damage to his bowel and liver and has been left scarred.

Police followed a trial of blood which led from where Mr Sullivan lay back to a house where Johnstone was asleep in bed, wearing a blood-strained t-shirt.

Lord Kinclaven adjourned sentence to the High Court in Edinburgh so the court could obtain reports.

On Monday, defence counsel Derick Nelson told the court that his client had a troubled upbringing.

He added: "He has had a turbulent and troubled childhood. By 13, he was drinking alcohol heavily and by 13 he was smoking cannabis.

"He appreciates that there is one disposal in this case and he has expressed an interest in engaging with addiction services whilst he is custody."

Lord Kinclaven also ordered Johnstone to be supervised by the authorities for two years following his release from jail.