AN Airdrie thug tried to murder a terrified pensioner because he was motivated by “revenge”.
Billy Smith pounced on the 70-year-old woman at her Coatbridge home in October of last year.
A judge heard how the 24-year-old had an issue with an individual known to his victim.
Smith was said to have been “unimpressed” that she continued to be in contact with this person.
During Smith’s date in the dock last week, the High Court in Glasgow was told how the woman could have died, but for urgent medical help.
Smith now faces a lengthy jail-term after he pled guilty to an attempted murder charge.
He was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month.
Prosecutor Owen Mullan said the OAP was attacked with a “knife or screwdriver-type implement”.
He added the crime appeared to be a “revenge attack” against the individual known to Smith’s victim; this person was staying with the pensioner that night.
Smith stormed into the house and ranted: “I am going to kill you both.”
The woman ended up being severely hurt; she was initially struck on the shoulder and slumped to the ground before being hit again on the body.
Smith then fled the scene and police soon arrived at the blood-stained property.
The stunned victim then identified Smith as her attacker.
She suffered six wounds, needed 40 stitches and ended up losing 3st in weight as a result of her horrendous ordeal.
Mr Mullan told the court: “Without surgical intervention, she would have died.”
Smith’s lawyer said “any malice” the thug had for the woman was “nothing” compared to what he thought of the other individual.
Tony Lenehan, defending, added Smith was “unimpressed” at the victim still being in touch with this person.
Lord Mulholland deferred sentencing on Smith for reports.
He told him: “You attacked a woman.
“I have heard your motivation for that, but you cannot assault members of the public in their own home.
“You don’t need me to tell you that.”
