A THUG who was freed early from prison is back behind bars after he slit a man's throat in a brutal murder bid.

Stephen Paterson, 39, attacked William Pinkerton with a Stanley knife at the victim's flat in Renfrew on July 19 last year.

The serial criminal had only been released from prison six weeks earlier, having been handed a two-year sentence for possession of an offensive weapon.

Mr Pinkerton was lucky to survive the slashing, as it caused a wound near his carotid artery.

Paterson admitted an attempted murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow today.

A judge heard how Mr Pinkerton had not long returned home when he was attacked.

He had earlier clocked Paterson, who he knew, and another man walking near his flat.

Mr Pinkerton later heard his front door being knocked and found Paterson there when he answered.

Prosecutor Leanne McQuillan told the court: "He immediately tried to close the door but Paterson forced it open.

"Mr Pinkerton ended up on his back and started kicking out. He could see Paterson with what looked like a Stanley knife in his hand.

"Paterson then struck him with the knife, slashing down on the right side of his neck with considerable force."

After the attack, Paterson fled the scene as the blood-soaked victim managed to call his mother for help.

He stated: "Mum, you will need to come and get me."

Mr Pinkerton ended up outside his home before being rushed to hospital.

The court heard he will make a full recovery from the large neck wound but will be permanently scarred.

Paterson was held the day after the attack and told police: "No comment. Has anyone else been charged?"

No motive for the crime was revealed in court.

Gavin Strachan, 40, had also been accused of trying to murder Mr Pinkerton but had his not guilty plea accepted.

However, he did admit being involved in the assault and robbery of another man, Allan Woods, elsewhere in Renfrew that same day.

Mr Woods, who was a stranger to Strachan, was tailed to his home after withdrawing money at a cash machine.

An accomplice assaulted him while Strachan rifled through his pockets.

They escaped with money, a bank card and a set of keys.

Lady Scott remanded both Paterson and Strachan in custody ahead of sentencing in Stirling next month.