A man who launched a “vicious” knife attack on his best friend, causing him to lose an eye, has been jailed for four years and eight months.

David Wallace, 36, repeatedly stabbed Robin Clark in the head and body during the attack at a house in Inverness in September 2021.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Mr Clark pleaded with his friend to stop and ran out into the street to shout for help.

Lord Ericht told the father-of-five on Thursday: “This was a vicious attack which has resulted in the loss of one eye and permanent scarring.”

The judge said Wallace would have faced a five-year jail term had he not pleaded guilty – but added that the discount on his sentence had been limited because he did so at a late stage in proceedings.

Wallace had initially faced an attempted murder charge, but instead pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Clark, causing his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment by repeatedly striking him with a knife.

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The court heard that Wallace had previously been jailed for assault involving the use of a bottle and also had a conviction for weapon possession.

Wallace and his victim were said to have been drinking before the attack. Drugs had also been taken at the house, the court heard.

When Mr Clark ran out into the street, two women went to his aid and he was rushed to hospital.

He was treated for major injuries to both legs, abdomen and left eye. He was forced to undergo surgery and later had a further operation to remove his eye.

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Defence solicitor advocate Marco Guarino said: “These men have been best friends for over two decades. There has never been any issues between him and the complainer in the past.”

Mr Guarino said Wallace described himself as “a binger,” adding: “There is no doubt this matter blew up out of intoxication.

“On the day in question there had been a fairly heavy drinking session during which parties were taking drugs.”

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