Man convicted of Glasgow city centre slashing spree

A man brutally slashed three strangers in just 90 minutes a court has heard.

Michael Coyle carried out the attacks in Glasgow's Howard Street in the city centre last December.

The 33 year-old had been back on the streets having been freed early from a previous jail-term for an earlier knife crime.

First victim Stuart Bredin had been at the 8-Ball pool hall around 10.30pm on December 17 2021.

Construction worker Coyle was also there with colleagues.

All the men were then captured on CCTV standing outside the pool hall.

Prosecutor John McElroy told the High Court in Glasgow: "Coyle and Mr Bredin were unknown to one another.

"They appear to engage in conversation. Coyle is then seen to strike him on the left side of the face causing him to stagger backwards."

As Coyle fled, the blood-soaked 36 year-old was rushed to hospital by a nearby taxi driver.

Judge Lord Mulholland was shown a photo of the horror ear-to-mouth wound the victim suffered.

The court heard he has been left scarred for life.

Coyle ended up in Kelly's Bar in Howard Street around midnight.

Mr McElroy said he was involved in a "minor altercation" between himself, Jordan Buist and Paul McLaughlin.

This saw Coyle - wearing a hi-vis jacket - also slash the two friends outside the pub.

Mr McLaughlin, 25, was struck on the left side of the face with Mr Buist, 23, knifed from behind. Both are also scarred for life.

Coyle admitted to assaulting all the three men to their severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

He had already served a number of jail-terms for violence.

Coyle was locked up for 27 months in March 2020 and ordered to be supervised for a year on his release however, he was freed early on May 13 2021.

Lord Mulholland told him: "Your criminal record and conduct was deplorable.

"You slashed three men leaving them with life scars. You can expect a lengthy sentence."

Sentencing was adjourned until next month for reports.

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