A man has been jailed for six years for stabbing a 63-year-old with a kitchen knife at an ATM.
Mark Stephen was desperate for cash when he targeted Grahame Murray at the cash point in Fraserburgh last year.
The 37-year-old put Mr Murray in a chokehold and told him “give me the money” before stabbing him in a “frenzied manner”.
The High Court in Glasgow heard Stephen fled after Mr Murray started shouting for help, and dumped his blood-stained hoody and knife.
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The former fish processor admitted attempting to murder and rob Mr Murray when the case called yesterday.
The court heard Mr Murray had been enjoying a night out and went to the local ATM when he was suddenly grabbed from behind.
Advocate depute Eric Robertson said a hooded Stephen mumbled “give me the money” before getting his victim in a “choke hold”.
He added: “Mr Murray saw the glint of a knife blade. He was screaming for help.”
Mr Murray was described as blood soaked and “in shock”.
People at a nearby pub raced to his aid while Stephen fled, but was later traced by police.
Mr Murray was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s high dependency unit, suffering from a number of wounds and a partially collapsed lung.
Doctors hope he will make a full recovery, although the court heard he remains at risk of a further collapsed lung or infection.
Defence advocate Matthew Jackson, said his client had been desperate when he struck on September 30 last year, having recently lost his job.
“He was involved in a bike accident resulting in considerable pain and a year in hospital in 2017.
“He lost his job and the relationship he was in came to an end.”
Mr Jackson said “a combination of circumstances” then saw Stephen turn to crime.
“He had presented himself as someone who was a really useful member of society,” he said.
“He is deeply ashamed of his actions and is apologetic.”
Lady Stacey told Stephen the jail term would have been eight years, but for the guilty plea.
The judge said: “You know that what you did was disgraceful. The courts cannot tolerate taking out a kitchen knife and using it on a man in his 60s.”
