Man left 'scarred for life'

A MAN was left with 14 stab wounds and permanent scarring after he was attacked on his way home, a court has heard.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard Derek Meikle, 23, attacked Mark Dunbar, 25, after he had been drinking.

Advocate depute Neil Beardmore said Meikle had been drinking with Gary McLernon in Armadale, West Lothian, at Meikle's home, and they had left to go to McLernon's address in the early hours of January 13 this year. He said: "Mr Dunbar was on his way to his home address when he encountered McLernon and Meikle together on the street. An argument ensued between the complainer and McLernon, as a result of previous bad blood between the two."

Mr Dunbar was taken to Wishaw General Hospital, where he was treated for three days.

Meikle, of Edinburgh prison, pleaded guilty to carrying out the attack at Armadale Industrial Estate. Judge Lady Clark deferred sentence until next month for reports.