A man who tried to cut off his friend’s ear during a horror murder attempt has been jailed for eight years.

Jay Hutcheson attacked the man at the victim’s flat in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on July 28, 2022.

The 37-year-old brutally attacked the man after he believed she was taking money from him.

Jurors heard how the victim had previously allowed Hutcheson to stay at his home.

Hutcheson was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday by Judge David Young KC.

He was previously convicted after being tried for attempted murder in Paisley.

Judge Young told Hutcheson: “He considered you a friend. This was a serious attack; took place over a long period of time.

“It appears to have started based on your suspicion that he had stolen a small amount of money.

“He didn’t fight back and you knocked him out.

“Even then you continued the attack. “You branded his head and body, burned him with a cigarette, tied his hands with a cable, cut off his ear and partially severed it.”

It was said at the hearing that the victim’s injuries included a broken jaw.

Judge Young added: “You made a statement (in your pre-sentence report) that other people entered the flat and attacked (the victim).

“This was not put forward at the hearing and does not reflect (the victim’s) evidence.”

Hutcheson, also from Paisley, was said to be at “maximum risk” of reoffending.

As a result, he will be on probation for an additional three years after his release.

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