Murder bid knifeman caught on CCTV

A murder bid knifeman was caught on CCTV cameras as he stabbed his victim four times in the stomach. David Holmes, 25, launched the attack in Craigielea Road, Duntocher, Dunbartonshire, on April 29, after Gary Haggerty punched him to the ground.

Holmes also struck have-a-go hero Richard Buchanan with the knife, as he tried to disarm him.

Prosecutor Patricia Comiskey said: “After David Holmes was disarmed of the knife, he left and then returned with a second knife.

“His victim Mr Haggerty said he was weak and dazed and thought he was going to die.”

A jury at the High Court in Glasgow was shown video footage of the murder bid on Mr Haggerty.

Defence QC Tony Graham said: “The accused went into the street carrying the knife, but his intention was not to murder anyone.

“He admits assaulting Mr Haggerty to his severe injury and that is what he should be convicted of”

Mr Graham described the incident as “two men of a quarrelsome disposition” and said the accused admitted stabbing the other man, but not attempting to murder him.

However the jury convicted him of the attempted murder of Mr Haggerty and also assaulting Mr Buchanna with a knife.

Holmes admitted possession of a knife..

Judge Lady Scott deferred sentence on Holmes, who is a prisoner at Greenock Prison, until next month when she will sentence him.

She also ordered a report to assess the risk he poses to the public.

The court heard that Holmes has six previous convictions for violence.

Lady Scott told Holmes: “Having regard to your record of previous assaults I want to have a risk assessment as to the risk to present to the public.