Serial criminal jailed for slashing man’s throat

A serial offender who slashed a man’s throat in a street attack in Arbroath has been jailed for nine years.

Steven Clarke used a multitool blade to inflict a 10cm injury on David West’s neck during the attack in the Angus town.

The 42-year-old was found guilty of assaulting Mr West to his severe injury, to the danger of his life and attempting to murder him in January 2023.

Clarke, who has 43 previous convictions including offences of violence and carrying weapons, will also be supervised for two years following his release from jail.

Judge Lord Renucci told Clarke his behaviour had been “appalling”, pointing out that the attack on Mr West continued when he was lying helpless on the ground.

During the attack, Clarke repeatedly slapped and punched his victim on the head resulting in him falling to the ground.

Clarke made threats of violence and sat on him and repeatedly struck him on the neck with the weapon.

He was also convicted of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

The court heard that Clarke claimed that the attack came about because the victim had insulted his mother.

During his earlier trial at the High Court in Dundee Clarke claimed that he struck out with his hand as he defended himself against the victim who he said came towards him “in a rage”.

He also claimed that Mr West had already sustained the neck wound when he encountered him in the street.

Defence solicitor advocate Richard Souter, for Clarke, said: “He has a long history of drug and alcohol misuse and also a long history of offending before the court.

“He understands he will receive a custodial sentence today.”