Scott Dominick, 50, carried out more work on a garden patio at a house in Linwood in March this year, than what was originally agreed.

But, after the work was completed at the end of February at Andrew Palmer’s estranged wife’s house, he went in search of extra cash for the job.

Dominick phoned another man, Iain Sproule who had organised for him to do the work at Mrs Palmer’s home about the money on few occasions after completing the job.

While on the phone to Mr Sproule claimed he heard Mr Palmer calling him an abusive name.

Annoyed at not being paid all of the money, and thinking he was being made a fool of, Dominick armed himself with a machete and slashed Mr Palmer in Colliers pub on Johnstone Main Street.

He later told officers: “I know what I did I will slash your throat too.” At the High Court in Glasgow, Dominick was convicted of attempting to murder Palmer on March 2, at the pub. Mr Palmer arranged through Mr Sproule for Dominick to carry out work at his wife’s house. More expensive work was done than was originally agreed and Dominick wanted paid the extra.

Mr Palmer said his wife gave him an extra £50, but there was another £50 outstanding.

Dominick was never told he was not going to get paid. He called Mr Sproule the day the work was done and again the following day in a bid to find out about his money.

Mr Palmer disputed the allegation that he called Dominick a name while he was on the phone to Mr Sproule.

On March 2, when Mr Palmer and his friend Martin Docherty were drinking in Colliers pub, Dominick, tooled himself up with a machete from his house.

He went to the pub with the weapon to scare Mr Palmer and questioned him about the money.

Dominick initially had the machete tucked into his jacket then presented the weapon at Mr Palmer and held it under his chin.

In his own evidence he told jury Mr Palmer said to him “If you’re going to do it, do it.” Mr Palmer said Dominick told him “This is for you” when he pressed the weapon against him.

The angry builder pulled the knife across Mr Palmer’s chin, slashing him before a struggle took place involving Dominick, Mr Docherty and a woman who stepped in to help. The police were called and Dominick was taken away in handcuffs.

He later told the officers: “I know what I did, I will slash your throats too.” Sheriff Norman Ritchie QC deferred sentence for background reports and continued the case until next month.

Dominick was remanded in custody and winked at the public benches as he was lead away to the cells.