A THUG who slashed a fellow prisoner’s cheek with a sharp weapon was jailed for 28 months.

Raymond Docherty, 26, slit Mark Gallagher in his friend’s cell at HMP Low Moss last June.

Docherty used the “sharp implement” on his sister Claire’s former lover in what was described by him as a “cowardly attack.”

Docherty’s latest conviction comes over eight years since he was locked up for 35 months after stamping on a teenage girl’s head.

The then 17-year-old pounced on Nikki McDonagh after she started a fight with Claire at a house in Johnstone.

Docherty pleaded guilty on Thursday at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the assault to Gallagher’s severe injury.

The court heard Gallagher was ambushed shortly after entering a fellow inmate’s cell after midday.

Prosecutor Mark Allan said: “Gallagher felt a scratch and blow to the right side of his cheek.

“He turned round to see Docherty standing immediately behind him.

“Gallagher knew immediately that he had been cut with something due to blood on his face.”

Docherty was forced out the cell by Gallagher who was later taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment.

Gallagher sustained a a 8.5cm wound which required five stitches.

Gerry Gallenagh, defending, told the court: “He fully accepts this was a cowardly attack.”

Sheriff Sean Murphy QC said: “It has been accepted on your behalf that this was a cowardly attack and there is no excuse for it.

“You prepared for this as you took the weapon with you and you have a record for violence.”