A man threw a bottle of Irn-Bru at two attackers running towards him with a machete and meat cleaver.
Allan King, 41, was ambushed shortly after leaving a McDonald’s restaurant near his home in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, in July 2018.
The victim suffered multiple wounds – including one that went through to the bone in his back and another to the leg that could have been fatal.
He required surgery, a blood transfusion and has been left scarred for life.
At the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, three men pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr King to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment as well as to the danger of his life.
Christopher Dickson, 34, and Sean Henry, 31, attacked Mr King, while James Aird, 38, admitted being the driver of a stolen getaway car.
Prosecutor Greg Farrell told the court: “Seeing the males running, King threw his bottle of Irn-Bru in their direction before attempting to make off.
“Dickson and Henry chased King, who was aware they were striking him from behind.
“He was eventually struck on the back of the leg which gave way.
“King observed both attacking him and striking him repeatedly with the bladed weapons.”
Lady Stacey jailed Dickson and Aird each for six years. Henry was sentenced to five years and nine months.
However Henry – who latterly worked for a homeless charity – must first serve 1340 days from a previous prison term he was freed early from.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
