Man admits attempted murder of policeman in Tayport

A vicious thug today admitted attempting to murder a policeman by rushing at him with a knife and stabbing him in the chest.

At the High Court in Glasgow Graeme Davidson, 37, who has two previous convictions for police assault, pleaded guilty to the murder bid on Constable Derek Laing at 17 Lundin Crescent, Tayport, Fife, on June 29.

The court heard that the knife hit Constable Laing's breastbone which prevented the blade penetrating vital organs, arteries or veins.

The officer and colleagues had responded to a 999 call at 12.45am concerning a disturbance at the house.

Initially Davidson, who was asleep , when the police arrived, appeared to pose no threat, although he was drunk.

Constable Laing and his two colleagues were standing waiting for Davidson, from Tayport, to get dressed.

Suddenly Davidson, armed with a knife held above his head, rushed at Constable Laing, who was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, which was diagonally opposite the bedroom.

The court heard that Davidson acted with such speed that the dad-of-two, had no chance to use his police baton.

Prosecutor Margaret Barron said: “PC Laing saw that the accused had his right hand raised above his head and was holding a long slender item.

“At that moment PC Laing thought to himself 'I hope he is holding a pen' and then 'please hit my stab vest.'

“PC Laing felt an 'almighty' impact to his chest and knew immediately he had been stabbed. In a statement he said: "My heart sank, I instantly knew I was in a fight for my life..”

Brave Constable Laing managed to grab Davidson by both arms and force him against the kitchen wall and then shouted to colleagues that the accused had a knife and he had been stabbed.

Davidson was handcuffed by colleagues and Constable Laing, who was bleeding from his chest, was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

The court heard that the blade only stopped because it hit the officer's breastbone.

Ms Barron said: “This prevented any further damage to arteries, veins or vital organs. Had the blade penetrated any further, it may have resulted in a fatal injury.”

Constable Laing, who is based at St Andrews police station, returned to duty on September 18. He is currently on modified duties and not involved in any front line work.

In a statement he gave on July 7 he said: “I am struggling on a daily basis to cope with the effects of this incident. I am currently seeking professional help in relation to the mental trauma that this has left not only to me, but my wife and young children.”

Davidson has previous convictions for assault, police assault and posessing a knife in a public place.

Judge Lord Matthews deferred sentence on Davidson, who is a prisoner in Perth prison, until next month.

Solicitor advocate Chris Fyffe, defending, will give his plea in mitigation then.