A knife attacker who stabbed an off-duty bar manager was jailed yesterday for four years.
Darren White, 46, struck Stephen Downie, 34, during the unprovoked assault at The Last Post pub in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on 23rd March 2025.
The offender pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to assaulting Mr Downie to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of life.
Judge Louise Arrol KC said: “I have read the victim impact statement from the victim and it is clear the offence has had a profound effect upon him physically, mentally, emotionally and financially.
“His confidence is damaged which has resulted in the termination of his employment.”
A 10-year non-harassment order prohibiting White from contacting Mr Downie was also imposed.
The court previously heard Mr Downie was not working that night, but instead having a drink there.
He recognised White from a previous incident at the popular bar.
Mr Downie approached him and said: “Do you remember what happened the last time you were in?”
White agreed he did and stated he would leave once he had finished his pint.
The background to the earlier incident was not revealed.
The bar manager then suggested he should leave. White got up and walked to the exit with Mr Downie behind him.
Prosecutor David Dickson KC told the court: “As he was ushered up the stairs, White turned round and struck Mr Downie to his lower left abdomen before leaving the pub.
“Mr Downie initially believed that he had been punched.
“However, he lifted his top and realised that he had been stabbed.”
A 999 call was made and Mr Downie was taken to hospital where he required surgery.
He suffered an injury to his bowel.
The court heard he had been at risk of infection, sepsis and his life being in danger had he not received treatment.
White, also of Paisley, was traced that night, with a knife found in a nearby bin.
Defence solicitor Amy Hunter said: “While he says there was no pre-meditation for the assault, he knows that he should not have been carrying a weapon and that the attack was abhorrent in nature.
“He has no explanation for it and is remorseful for his actions.”