A Lanarkshire man has walked free from court despite viciously stabbing his neighbour over a noise complaint and crashing his car into a police station.
Brian Kelly struck the man three times to the body with a knife during a dispute on the landing of their Cambuslang flat on April 4 last year.
Kelly, who had initially been struck by a bottle of brandy he was holding, left his victim needing nine stiches and scarred for life.
The 56-year-old then got into his car and crashed into the wall at the city’s Cathcart police station.
Kelly pled guilty under provocation at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
He also admitted dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drink or drugs and refusing to take a breath test.
Sheriff Alan Mackenzie ordered Kelly to do 300 hours unpaid work and tagged for 12-months keeping him indoors between 7pm and 7am.
He was also banned from driving for three years, with Sheriff Mackenzie saying: “I accept that before you used the knife you were struck with a bottle.
“Following a domestic matter, which you were admonished of, a special bail order was imposed. You were forced to take up accommodation where you could find it.
“It was situated in a high rise in an environment that was different from what you were used to. You found it hostile, deeply intimidating and you judged that gang culture was manifesting.
“In your distinct judgement, you went out your flat to remonstrate about ongoing noise while armed with a knife. You used the knife which caused a serious injury.
“I recognise that, for nearly all your life, you have been a law-abiding citizen and your behaviour was utterly out of character and you demonstrated you lost control.
“After the assault, you drove to the police station, which was a spectacularly ill-advised given your condition, and you crashed into a wall at there.”
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