Ex-hitman admits stabbing attack

Beattie admitted stabbing the man after a row outside a bar

A former loyalist paramilitary has admitted carrying out a knife attack on a man in the south west of Scotland.

Paul Beattie, 40, stabbed Gary Banka after a row outside a bar in Newton Stewart in June.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how the former UVF member stabbed his 53-year-old victim in the stomach and side and left him slumped on the ground.

A judge warned Beattie he was likely to face an extended sentence for the offence due to his violent past.

The court heard Beattie had only recently moved to Scotland prior to the attack.

It was considered that had he not been treated when he was then he could have died as a result of his injuries Paul Kearney, prosecuting

He was released from jail in 1999 in Northern Ireland as part of the Good Friday Agreement, having served four years of a 11-year-term for a murder bid.

The court was told Mr Banka had been out at a bar in Newton Stewart on 13 June, having spent the day playing golf with friends.

He later went outside for a cigarette, where he got involved in an argument with Beattie and was heard insulting him.

Mr Banka later left the pub and, as he neared his house, again spotted Beattie who told him: "This is for you".

He then stabbed him three times in the stomach and side.

Beattie walked off leaving the bleeding labourer slumped on the ground.

He then went to his home in the town and told a neighbour that he had been in a fight and that he did not think "the guy would survive".

Permanently scarred

Mr Banka was taken to hospital, where it was discovered one wound had sliced his liver.

He spent a total of 10 days in hospital and has been left permanently scarred as a result.

Paul Kearney, prosecuting, said: "It was considered that, had he not been treated when he was, then he could have died as a result of his injuries."

Beattie was traced after his victim gave a description of his attacker.

He admitted striking Mr Banka with a knife, but claimed he was "gobsmacked" at the damage caused.

His lawyer Frances Connor told the court that Beattie had been left mentally scarred due to the former Troubles in Northern Ireland and his involvement in them.