A THUG who tried to cut his friend's ear off during a horror murder bid has been jailed for eight years.

Jay Hutcheson turned on James Atkinson at the victim's flat in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on July 28, 2022.

The 37-year-old brutally attacked Mr Atkinson after he believed the man had taken cash from him.

Jurors heard how the victim had earlier allowed Hutcheson to stay at his flat.

Hutcheson was today sentenced by Judge David Young KC at the High Court in Glasgow.

He had earlier been convicted after a trial in Paisley of attempted murder.

Judge Young told Hutcheson: "He regarded you as a friend. This was a serious attack - it took place over a lengthy period.

"It appeared to have started over your suspicion that he had stolen a small amount of money.

"He did not fight back and you knocked him unconscious.

"Even then, you continued the attack. You stamped on his head and body, burned him with cigarettes, tied his hands with a cable and cut his ear so it was partially severed."

The hearing was told the victim's injuries included a fractured jaw.

Judge Young added: "You gave an explanation (in a pre-sentencing report) that other people broke into the flat and attacked James Atkinson.

"This was not advanced at trial and does not reflect Mr Atkinson's evidence."

Hutcheson, also of Paisley, was said to be at "maximum risk" of re-offending.

As a result, he will be supervised for a further three years on his release.