A THUG who tried to kill a man in his own home was not sentenced - as he now claims he was provoked.

Christopher Simpson had admitted last month to leaving Darren Martin with more than 20 injuries at the flat in Glasgow's Castlemilk on August 21 last year.

Simpson repeatedly stabbed the victim having initially asked him for a glass of water.

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The 34 year-old returned to the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday after he earlier pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge.

A narrative of facts agreed between the prosecution and Simpson's lawyers had been read out at the last hearing.

But, it emerged that the thug had told social workers compiling a pre-sentencing report that he had effectively acted in self defence.

Judge Sean Murphy QC said what he heard last time was that the attack appeared "unprovoked".

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But, Mark Moir QC, defending, said: "I have consulted with Mr Simpson and he maintains what is in the social work report is correct.

"However, he now wishes to be sentenced. The court would be bound by the narrative, but Mr Simpson is going by a different account."

Judge Murphy stated Simpson could only be sentenced if he accepted what was agreed at the previous hearing.

He instead adjourned the case until February.

Prosecutor Colin Edward told the court last month how Mr Martin had met Simpson before and allowed him into his flat.

The victim later refused to drink alcohol with Simpson and asked him to leave.

The thug then asked for some water before he left.

But, Mr Edward went on: "As Mr Martin stood at the sink, Simpson stabbed him twice.

"He then repeatedly stabbed him on the head, neck, body and arm.

"Mr Martin believed it was with scissors or a knife that he had hidden."

The terrified victim begged him to stop adding: "You are going to kill me."

But, Simpson ignored him, put the man in a headlock and carried on with the assault.

Mr Edward: "Simpson did not say a word throughout."

Simpson eventually stopped and the bleeding victim broke free.

The court heard he suffered a series of wounds including to his chest and abdomen.

Mr Martin had a punctured lung and also needed a blood transfusion.

He remains affected by his ordeal and has limited movement in his arm.