The streets of Paisley are a safer place after two brutes who violently attacked a man in his own home were caged at the High Court, say detectives who snared them.
Blade fiend James Weir, 40, was jailed for 11 years for attempted murder after he plunged a knife into 44-year-old Russell Cochrane’s stomach in February last year.
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His accomplice, Gerard Tracey, was caged for five years after he admitted assault and robbery.
Officers launched a major investigation to trace the pair when they were called to a disturbance in Fairway Avenue, in Glenburn.
Detective Sergeant Nicola Wake, of Paisley CID, led the probe into the “despicable” attack and welcomed news they had been taken off the streets.
She said: “This was a despicable act against a man who was brutally assaulted and nearly lost his life within his own home.
“The rest of his life will likely be impacted from the injuries he sustained.
“My team carried out a lengthy investigation and worked hard to bring both offenders to justice.
“The sentencing of James Weir and Gerard Tracey demonstrates that police will do everything they can to identify individuals and ensure they are brought before the courts.
“This is an excellent result for the community and the police and I would like to thank the local community for its assistance during this investigation.”
Jurors heard Mr Cochrane was defenceless as Weir stabbed him before he even had a chance to react as he opened his door.
Weir then stole a number of items, including cash, a TV and a games console, while Mr Cochrane was slumped on the floor in desperate need of medical help.
Lord Mulholland noted Weir already had a lengthy list of convictions for violence and having weapons.
The judge said: “You attended at the door of your unarmed victim and stabbed him in the chest.
“He had no time to defend himself.
“This was a brutal, thuggish and cowardly
act.
“It took 15 minutes before you left.
“By that time, his life was in peril by the wound you inflicted.”
