Pair accused of trying to murder ex-boxer admit lesser charges

Two men accused of attempted murder after an attack on a former boxer in an Edinburgh pub have pleaded guilty to reduced charges of assault to severe injury.

James Carlin, 24, was shot, pistol-whipped and stabbed as he watched a karaoke session at Jocks Lodge in Peirshill .

His attackers Dean Scott, 27, and David Coutts. 21 appeared at the High Court in Livingston, yesterday.

Advocate depute Peter Ferguson said Coutts stabbed Mr. Carlin on the left buttock with a double-edged knife blade.

Scott then left the pub and ran off towards Meadowbank, with Scott following close behind. CCTV footage later captured both accused men on a bus leaving the area.

Earlier on the day of the offence, Scott and Coutts, had visited Scott's neighbour, Stephanie Whitehead, where Scott showed her a hand gun.

Lord Matthews deferred sentence on the men for background reports.