A KNIFE attacker who stabbed an off-duty bar manager is facing a jail term.
Darren White, 46, struck Stephen Downie during the unprovoked assault at The Last Post pub in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on March 23 2025.
Mr Downie, 34, was not working that night, but was instead having a drink there.
He recognised White from a previous incident at the popular bar.
Mr Downie approached him and stated: "Do you remember what happened the last time you were in?"
White agreed he did and stated he would go once he had finished his pint.
The background to any incident was not revealed.
But, the bar boss suggested he should leave - White got up and walked to the exit with Mr Downie behind him.
Prosecutor David Dickson KC then told the High Court in Glasgow: "As he was ushered up the stairs, White turned round and struck Mr Downie to his lower left abdomen before leaving the pub.
"Mr Downie initially believed that he had been punched.
"However, he lifted his top and realised that he had been stabbed."
A 999 call was made and Mr Downie ended up in hospital needing surgery.
He had suffered an injury to his bowel.
The court heard he had been at danger of infection, sepsis and his life had been at risk had he not got treatment.
White, also of Paisley, was traced that night with a knife found in a bin nearby.
The first offender today pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Downie to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger to his life.
Judge Louise Arrol KC deferred sentencing for reports.
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