A THUG scarred a woman for life in a brutal unprovoked attack outside a pub.

James Thomson, 24, struck the woman in Alva on April 9, 2023.

Thomson had earlier chatted to the victim at Cairns Bar which caused her to feel anxious and she left with friends.

They were later tailed by Thomson who confronted them with a knife and pit bull terrier on a lead.

Thomson slashed the victim across the face along her cheek which needed 20 stitches to close the wound.

Thomson pled guilty today (Friday, February 9) at the High Court in Glasgow to assaulting the victim to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment.

He also admitted having a knife without a reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

Thomson has previous convictions which includes a 46-month jail term for a serious assault to danger of life from October 2020.

The court heard that the victim was socialising at the bar with friends on the night of the incident.

While waiting at the bar, she spoke to stranger Thomson who introduced himself as 'James T from Tillicoultry'.

Prosecutor Stephen McCloy said: "As they continued to chat, the victim became increasingly uncomfortable given the terms of the conversation with Thomson."

The woman and her group decided to leave as they had become uncomfortable with Thomson and his friend.

The pair approached her group and an "incident" occurred between them which did not involve her.

The two men left and stated that "we will be back" and returned a few minutes later.

Thomson was armed with a knife and had a pit bull terrier on a lead.

Mr McCloy said: "Thomson walked straight to the woman and slashed her across the face.

"She described blood pouring out.

"She immediately grabbed her face, ran away and hid as did other member of her group."

Police were called, and ambulance staff attended and took the woman to hospital.

She was found to have suffered a wound from the right side of her lip extending along her right cheek.

The wound cut through fat and muscle at the deepest part of the wound which was cleaned and treated with 20 stitches.

Mr McCloy added: "The injury will cause scarring and an altered, unpleasant sensation or numbness in the area of the wound."

The victim and her group were able to identify Thomson to police and he was traced.

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month at the High Court in Edinburgh by Judge Lord Doherty.

Thomson had his remand in custody continued meantime.