Thug held knife to man’s throat
arm around his neck before holding the knife to his throat.
Atwell was forced to use a pub chair to try keep out-of-control Murphy away from him while punters tried to convince Murphy to drop the knife before anyone was hurt.
Procurator fiscal depute Michael Cunningham yesterday told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 9pm on Monday, February 6, the witness Johan Bradford and the accused were at the Gryffe Inn for a night of socialising.
“For around two hours, Murphy drank a mixture of lager and vodka and appeared to be in good spirits.
“Around 11pm, the accused left the pub advising Bradford, who is his partner, that he lives with, that he was going to see a friend and would return shortly.
“Around 11.30pm the accused returned to the pub when Bradford noted he was heavily intoxicated, more than when he left.
“Bradford was sitting at the bar speaking to Atwell who wasn’t previously known to the accused.
“The accused approached Atwell and threw his right arm around his neck.
“Atwell and Bradford then observed the accused to be in possession of a black-handled kitchen knife.
“The accused pushed Atwell’s head with his hand while the victim was trying to keep the knife away from him.
“Murphy then put his hand on Atwell’s neck and held the knife there.
“In fear of his safety, Atwell grabbed a chair and used it as a guard between him and the accused.
“Murphy repeatedly stepped towards Atwell with his hand raised while holding the knife.
“Numerous witnesses attempted to appeal to the accused to drop the knife before any harm was caused and the accused then stabbed the knife into the nearby bar before walking away.
“Murphy then attended to the seating area to the right of the bar and police were contacted who attended and informed Murphy he was under arrest.
“He was cautioned and made no reply, taken to Greenock police station and later released on an undertaking to appear at this court.”
Defence agent John Kilcoyne asked for a range of reports to be prepared due to Murphy’s lack of record and his young age.
Sheriff Millar adjourned sentence for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment.
Murphy will return to the town’s court for sentencing on June 21 and his bail was continued meantime.