Knife-throwing ‘joke’ almost ended up killing man’s friend

A Perth man was left moments from death after a friend hurled a knife across a room “as a joke” during birthday celebrations.

The blade, thrown by Kyle Summers, had been aimed at a sofa but a last-minute movement by Liam Beauchape saw it sink into his leg.

It penetrated skin, muscle, an artery and vein and was found to have severed his femoral artery.

Blood began to pump uncontrollably from the wound.

Summers, 36, of Melville Street in Perth, admitted culpably and recklessly aiming a knife a sofa where Mr Beauchape was sitting, whereby he was struck by the knife to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life on August 7.

Sentence was deferred until later in the year for reports.

Perth Sheriff Court heard that the horrified Summers had instantly called for an ambulance as he and a witness offered aid.

The pair had spent the day drinking and celebrating their birthdays and witnesses described them as being in high spirits as they returned to Summers’ home.

During the course of the early hours of August 7, however, the horrific accident changed the tone of their celebrations.

Depute Fiscal John Malpass told the court Mr Beauchape had been troubled by mental health problems in the past and had asked friends to “cut him”.

“When one witness understandably refused, Mr Summers said he would do it,” Mr Malpass said. “As a joke he threw a knife at a sofa but as he did so Mr Beauchape moved his leg and the knife struck him.

“Had medical attention not been sought right away, he could have bled out and died very quickly.

“He required surgery, during which a section of his large intestine had to be removed.”

Mr Malpass said witnesses had told police officers the accused had not intended to strike his friend with the knife.

Mr Beauchape added that his friend would never have thrown the knife at him deliberately.