Two brothers who ambushed a man as he returned home after a late-night row in a pizza shop have been locked up for a total of almost ten years.

David May, 35, who suffered 11 knife wounds at the hands of Christopher and Ricky Mackie told police he thought he was going to die.

Sentencing them at the High Court in Edinburgh, judge Lord Pentland told the pair: "This offence was preceded by some premeditation on your part and demonstrated a high level of violence and reckless disregard for the possible consequences."

Christopher, 27, of Mansfield Road in Torry was jailed for five years and three months. Ricky, 19, of Loch Street in Aberdeen, was sentenced to four and a half years detention.

Both had earlier pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr May to the danger of his life at Brickfield Terrace, Stonehaven last September 5.

Advocate depute Martin Macari, prosecuting, told how Mr May had returned home after a night on the town and was just opening his front door when he heard a noise which sounded like someone tripping over rubbish bins.

As he walked round the side of his house he was attacked. Mr May though initially that the blows he could feel were only punches.

The brothers ran away when he fought back, said Mr Macari. Then Mr May realised he was bleeding and went indoors.

'Going to die'

"He looked in the mirror and saw that he was covered in blood. He later told police that he thought he was going to die," said Mr Macari.

Doctors who treated him in hospital said none of the wounds to his neck, arm, back and abdomen was life threatening - but this was just "a matter of luck".

The court heard that Mr May had been partying with friends and work colleagues at his home before moving on to a pub in the centre of Stonehaven, then a local nightclub.

About 2.30am, a friend of Mr May became involved in an argument with the brothers at a pizza take-away and Christopher Mackie was struck on the face. Ricky Mackie tried to calm his brother down and both left in a taxi.

The brothers went to Christopher's then home where they were described as drunk and "wound-up". Ricky was "ranting and raving" as they went into the kitchen, then left the house, close to Mr May's home.

Mr Macari said after the attack Mr May suffered flashbacks and had trouble sleeping. He was referred to a psychologist for help. Defence advocate Ronnie Renucci said Christopher Mackie was embarrassed and ashamed at his behaviour that night.

Advocate Lorenzo Alonzi, for Ricky Mackie, said the offence stemmed from drink. Lord Pentland also made an order keeping both under supervision for two years after the end of their sentences.

IN DETAIL:

• Pair charged with attempted murder, Stonehaven