A THUG who left a stranger with a brain injury after a brutal murder bid in Greenock has been jailed for eight years.

Darren Williams pounced on his victim in Drumfrochar Road on July 3 in 2021.

The 22 year-old had denied carrying out the attack during a trial which was heard in Paisley.

But the sentencing hearing held at the High Court in Glasgow today heard that Williams now accepted his guilt.

Prosecutors said the victim was repeatedly struck on the head and body with a blade.

As well as the jail term, Judge Scott Pattison also ordered Williams to be supervised for a further three years on his release.

He told the attacker: "The man was a relative stranger.

"It must have been terrifying.

"He suffered a wound to his scalp requiring 20 stitches.

"He had three other wounds consistent with being stabbed.

"There were also two substantial fractures and bleeding on his brain.

"Without immediate medical treatment, he would have died."

The judge said Williams had been deemed at 'maximum risk' of re-offending.

He also told him: "You will require to co-operate with the authorities.

"I think there is hope for you.

"If you comply with the authorities, there is hope that you can become a safe member of society and make a positive contribution."

Gillian Ross, defending, earlier told the hearing that Williams 'now accepts responsibility for the offence'.

She added: "He is aware that this does not reflect well on him at this stage.

"Perhaps, it does slightly advance things for him - that this is the first stage of rehabilitation in that there is acceptance.

"It appears his life pretty much spiralled out of control at an early age."