A THUG who slashed a man in the face after being invited into a flat to watch football was jailed for three years last Wednesday (18 March).

Murray Fleming (20) left victim Gary Johnstone permanently scarred as a result of the incident in Tullibody on 6 November 2014, Stirling Sheriff Court was told.

Prosecutor Ronnie Hay said that prior to the incident two other men, James Hunter and Barry Ross, had been watching football on television in the flat when there was “a bang” at the front door.

Fleming was outside, and was invited in and was even offered a beer.

They were joined by Mr Johnstone, and all proceeded to watch the football.

Fleming excused himself and said he wanted to use the toilet, and shortly afterwards the three men in the living room heard somebody rummaging around in the kitchen.

Fleming then came back into the living room holding two kitchen knives and demanded the other three men give him their money and mobile phones. The three put their cash and mobiles on the coffee table.

Mr Hay said: “For some reason known only to Mr Fleming he then decided to strike Mr Johnstone on the head with one of the knives he had.” Mr Johnstone and Mr Hunter left the flat and called for help.

Mr Johnstone was taken to the Forth Valley Royal Hospital, where he needed three stitches in a three-centimetre long cut on his left eyebrow.

Mr Hay said: “Mr Johnstone is permanently disfigured as a result of this incident.” Fleming, whose address was given in court papers as care of Polmont Young Offenders’ Institution, Stirlingshire, pleaded guilty to assault causing injury and permanently disfigurement.

He also admitted committing the offence while on bail.

Sheriff William Gilchrist told him: “Prison is inevitable given the nature of this charge.”