A SPURNED thug from Johnstone tried to kill his ex-lover while she was working in a supermarket.

Ben Jenkins, 35, was caught prowling the aisles of a Tesco store on July 9 last year as he looked for Louise McGarry.

He then stormed into a staff area and pounced on his terrified victim, who had been trying to hide from him.

Jenkins repeatedly stabbed 25-year-old Ms McGarry and was only halted when her brave colleagues leapt on him.

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

Jenkins, who already had a string of convictions for offences involving ex-partners, will be sentenced next month.

Prosecutor Margaret Barron told how the pair began dating in February last year but split up in late June.

On the day of the attack, Ms McGarry told colleague Angela McIlroy that Jenkins had been "constantly" messaging her.

Ms McGarry had warned him to "back off" or she would call the police.

Around 1pm, Jenkins was captured on CCTV entering the Tesco store, in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire.

Miss Barron said: "He walked towards the back of the store before walking up and down aisles.

"He did not pick up a basket or appear to be shopping."

Ms McGarry, who worked in the bakery section, was told her former partner was in the shop.

Miss Barron said: "She appeared to be frightened when she returned and spoke with Angela McIlroy."

Minutes later, Jenkins barged into the staff area of the bakery department clutching a multi-tool knife.

Ms McIlroy followed and made it clear Ms McGarry did not want to speak to him.

However, Ms McGarry was soon discovered "hiding in a corridor."

Miss Barron added: "As he entered, Jenkins immediately dropped his backpack and started attacking Louise McGarry with the knife.

"Angela McIlroy started shouting for another member of staff to come and assist."

Jenkins also yanked up Ms McGarry's top and stabbed her in the stomach, as well as ripping out her hearing implant.

Miss Barron said: "Angela McIlroy jumped on Jenkins and attempted to restrain him.

"Scott McNally – another employee – assisted. He removed the knife and threw it to the side."

Jenkins was held by the Tesco workers until police arrived, as other staff gave a blood-soaked Ms McGarry first aid.

Customers, meantime, were evacuated from the store.

Ms McGarry was rushed to hospital for treatment to wounds to her neck, stomach and arm.

Describing the impact of the ordeal, the advocate depute said: "She may have died had she not received medical attention and treatment.

"The wounds will result in scarring.

"The assault has resulted in her suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression.

"She is afraid to go out and has not been able to work since."

In 2012, Jenkins was admonished for an assault and, in 2016, he was put on a community payback order for hounding a former partner online.

Later that year, he got the same sentence for stalking a former lover.

In 2020, he was fined and given a restraining order for attacking a woman.

Lord Mulholland remanded Jenkins, who also has impaired hearing, and deferred sentencing until April 27 in Dundee.

The judge praised the actions of Ms McGarry's workmates during the terrifying incident.

He told Jenkins: "I give public commendation to Angela McIlroy and Scott McNally, who intervened and restrained you from inflicting further injuries on your victim.

"You are fortunate that you are not facing a charge of murder."

Jenkins, via a sign language interpreter, stated from the dock: "I know, I know. I feel bad."

The judge told him: "The actions of her colleagues prevented you facing murder.

"You can expect a lengthy sentence of imprisonment."