A JOHNSTONE man who admitted trying to murder his own father on a busy street in broad daylight has been jailed for six years.

Stewart McMeekin leapt out of his van and repeatedly stabbed dad Thomas in Broomlands Street, Paisley, on May 6, 2021.

The 27-year-old council worker was armed with two blades during the horrific murder bid.

First offender McMeekin, of Buchanan Way, carried out the attack near a polling station at Martyrs Church Hall on the day of the Scottish Parliament election.

It was stated that builder Thomas, then aged 50, was working with a young apprentice that morning.

Thomas had gone to a local shop at the same time his son was spotted alone in his Renfrewshire Council van.

Prosecutor Stewart Ronnie told the High Court in Glasgow: “The apprentice saw the van at the opposite side of the road and then heard Thomas McMeekin shouting for help.

“Stewart McMeekin was seen armed with two knives, charging at him.

“They fell to the ground and began to struggle. McMeekin then repeatedly stabbed his father.

“The apprentice attempted to intervene and McMeekin said: ‘Do not get involved, you do not need to do this’.”

A taxi driver also tried to help the victim but McMeekin told him: “It is nothing to do with you, mate’.”

McMeekin was also heard making comments about his father, which included: “I will kill you, you rat.”

Police soon arrived and blood-soaked Thomas told them: “I have been stabbed – chest, arm, everywhere.”

Part of the incident was captured by witnesses on their mobile phones.

The footage, which was played in court, shows the young apprentice hysterically screaming for help.

The hearing was told McMeekin, who was wearing his work clothes, could clearly be identified.

Thomas was rushed to hospital, where he underwent surgery and an emergency blood transfusion.

He had multiple stab wounds to his neck, chest, stomach and wrist and has been left scarred for life.

It was stated that, without medical help, he could have died.

McMeekin admitted an attempted murder charge in January and returned to the dock today to learn his fate.

Jennifer Bain KC, defending, said there had been "considerable challenges" in the relationship between father and son, which had continued until around the time of the attack.

She told the court: "It is this background that appears to be the catalyst for this out-of-character behaviour.

"At the time, he was also suffering from depression. He has emphasised to me that nothing can excuse what he has done.

"He is a young man who did not ever expect to be appearing at the high court. He is horrified at behaving in this way and is struggling to come to terms with it."

Judge Lady Stacey told McMeekin the jail term was being reduced from eight years due to his guilty plea.

She added: "We cannot have people acting in the fashion that you did.

"You are now 27 and had a completely clean record. It is a pity that a law-abiding citizen has ended up at the high court."