A violent criminal has been jailed for stabbing his pal six times after a row over money.
Gary Christie, whose record includes convictions for assault, was given a two-year stretch at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
The 31-year-old admitted assaulting his once friend to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
The attack happened at Christie's home in Arden Court, Hamilton, in the early hours of December 7.
Neil Thomson, prosecuting, told the court: "There was a dispute about monies owed that led to a fight between the victim and others.
"During the scuffle, the accused reached under the couch in the living room and produced a kitchen knife. He lunged at his victim and struck him a number of times on the head and face.
"The parties were separated and the victim ended up outside."
Doctors counted six puncture wounds around the left eye that required stitches and will leave permanent scars.
Defence agent Lucy McKenna said Christie was "heavily under the influence" of drink and drugs at the time and remembered little about the incident.
She added: "He has been in and out of prison for a large part of his life, but prior to this incident had secured his own tenancy and a full time job."
Sheriff Thomas Millar noted the accused has several convictions for assault, one involving a machete.
But he reduced the sentence from three years to two because of Christie's guilty plea. It was backdated to December 8 as he has been in custody since then.
Christie, who appeared via videolink from HMP Addiewell, appeared to be happy with the sentence.
He could be heard chanting 'here we go, here we go' as he was led back to his cell.
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