Man who stabbed victim 27 times, in brutal murder bid, jailed

A thug stabbed a total stranger 27 times in a minute during a brutal murder bid. William Leiper (23) had earlier been at a funeral before turning on Alisdair Clements last October.

Mr Clements (43) had been going to collect his bike outside the Old Toll Bar in Glasgow's Kinning Park when he was attacked.

The victim ended up in hospital for two months after suffering horrific injuries.

Leiper faces a lengthy jail-term after he pleaed guilty to an attempted murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow.

The hearing was told both the thug and his 25 year-old brother Robert Leiper had been at a funeral last October 5.

Around midnight, Mr Clements was meantime leaving the Old Toll Bar with two friends.

Prosecutors Barry Smith said the trio were walking to pick up their bikes when William Leiper was clocked walked nearby.

He yelled at the men: “I will see you tomorrow at 1.”

The court heard Mr Clements and his friends did not know Leiper.

They ignored him before Leiper was spotted picking up a knife that he dropped.

He was then joined by his brother Robert, who was the first to suddenly punch Mr Clements.

Mr Smith told how the assault was entirely “unprovoked”.

William Leiper then turned on the victim, who was also kicked. As Mr Clements tried to get up, he was immediately flung back to the ground.

Mr Smith: “While there, William Leiper repeatedly struck on the body with the knife...27 stab wounds in a minute.

“Mr Clements was unable to defend himself.”

The horror attack only ended when the victim's friends bravely stepped in.

The brothers fled the scene - but a blood trial to their home in nearby Govan Road lead police to them.

William Leiper was then spotted with a knife at the flat. Officers were forced to use a stun grenade to control the situation.

The court heard Mr Clements needed emergency surgery.

He had severe damage to his liver, colon and spleen.

Mr Smith: “Eight days later, his condition deteriorated rapidly.”

Mr Clements required a further operation as he was suffering from “multi organ dysfunction”.

He was only able to leave hospital on November 20. The court heard Mr Clements continues to need rehabilitation.

Mr Smith: “It had adversely affected his life in every aspect and will continue to do so.”

Robert Leiper had also faced an attempted murder allegation, but he instead pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of assault.

William Leiper was remanded in custody while his brother had his bail continued.

Lady Scott deferred sentencing until June 26 in Edinburgh.