A murder bid thug who was caught by police stabbing his victim is behind bars.

William Neil attacked Gary Henderson as apparent revenge for earlier assaulting the 50-year-old's partner.

The 30-year-old had to have the six-inch blade removed from a wound at his armpit. He also needed treatment for a collapsed lung at hospital.

Neil on Friday pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow.

He is due to be sentenced next month.

The hearing was told how Neil's partner Joanne Dunchie had gone to a house in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire hoping to get the keys to the her home of her late mother.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell said her nephew was there with his friend Henderson.

On asking to speak to her relative, Henderson told her to "f*** off".

Mr Farrell said: "He pushed her with both hands causing her to stumble.

"On regaining her balance, Henderson punched and slapped her to the face."

The court heard Neil soon learned what had happened. Miss Dunchie was described as "highly distressed" at the time as police were called.

Henderson was later walking to a car when he was confronted by Neil.

Mr Farrell said: "Neil was seen in possession of a knife. Officers arrived and saw him stab Henderson.

"On being told to drop the knife, Neil complied and was handcuffed."

The prosecutor said Neil was subject to a community payback order at the time for an earlier offence involving a weapon.

He also had previous convictions for violence.

Neil's lawyer Allan MacLeod told the court: "The only thing I would like to make clear about this offence is that the plea was tendered on basis of wicked recklessness. There was no intention to kill Gary Henderson."

Lord Young remanded Neil in custody as sentencing was deferred for reports.