Neighbour was stabbed after helping woman
ANEIGHBOUR who went to the aid of a mum-oftwo being harassed by her ex-lover was stabbed in the neck. John King, 47, targeted 31-yearold Keiran McCallum minutes after he ordered him away from the woman’s flat in Cathcart, Glasgow, in June.
King had earlier frightened the woman and her children by shining a light through their letterbox.
Mr McCallum on hearing the commotion and was trying to escort King away from the flat when he was struck.
King pleaded guilty yesterday to assaulting Mr McCallum to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.
He also admitted having a knife in a public place, behaving in a threatening manner and breaching a non-harassment order against the woman.
The court heard King and the woman ended their three-year relationship in June 2018 with the order put in place in January this year.
The woman became aware of a light shining through their letterbox and then spotted King hiding behind a sledge at the front door.
Prosecutor Mark Allan said: “He emerged from behind the sledge and brandished a knife.”
Mr McCallum heard screaming and went to investigate before confronting King.
Mr Allan said: “He tried to guide King out the close however this ended up in a struggle.
“The accused struck Mr McCallum with the knife on the neck area then ran out the close.”
A 999 call was made and Mr McCallum was taken to hospital for treatment to the wound below his ear which required two stitches.
Mr McCallum fully recovered but has been left with a scar on his neck.
King was later found nearby and arrested. Mr Allan told the court the incident has had an impact on the woman who is frightened to leave her home.
Lawyer Tracey Mulholland, defending, told the court King has a drug problem linked to the death of a loved one.
She added: “He tenders his apologies and utter shame as to what transpired.
“This was a man who had a good relationship and his behaviour was abhorrent and he accepts that.
Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports by Sheriff Ian Fleming.