Attacker stabbed off-duty bar manager after being told to leave Paisley pub

A knife attacker who stabbed an off-duty bar manager has been jailed for four years.

Darren White, 46, struck the man during the unprovoked assault at The Last Post pub in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on March 23 last year.

The first offender pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to assaulting the victim 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 ten-year non-harassment order, which prohibits White from contacting the victim was also imposed.

The court previously heard the man was not working that night, but was instead having a drink at The Last Post.

He recognised White from a previous incident at the pub.

The bar manager approached him and stated: “Do you remember what happened the last time you were in?”

White agreed he did and stated he would go once he had finished his pint.

The background to any incident was not revealed.

White got up and walked to the exit, with the victim behind him.

Prosecutor David Dickson KC then told the court: “As he was ushered up the stairs, White turned round and struck [the victim] to his lower left abdomen before leaving the pub.

“[The victim] 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 the man ended up in hospital needing surgery after having suffered an injury to his bowel.

The court heard he had been at risk of infection and sepsis, and his life had been at risk had he not received treatment.

White, also of Paisley, was traced that night with a knife found in a bin nearby.

Amy Hunter, defending, told the sentencing: “While he says there was no premeditation 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.”