Man attempted to stab neighbour with 'Devil-type knife' in heated row over escaped XL bully

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard this week that Falconer has since been jailed for 13 months after admitting to the assault.

The confrontation erupted after the dog belonging to the victim and his partner had escaped from their home.

Prosecutor Aga Mathieson told the court that the couple had managed to catch their dog and drag it back inside. They then went outside again to apologise to members of the public for the dog being out of control.

Falconer, who was part of a group nearby, approached the victim's partner and began to argue. The victim decided to flee the scene but was pursued by Falconer, who was armed with a knife.

Defence lawyer Jackson Bateman later claimed the dog had been "harassing" people in the street.

"My client's brother and mother were terrified," Bateman told the court.

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"The victim jumped over a fence but slipped on the grass and injured his hand. He later required hospital treatment for this," Mathieson explained.

"Falconer also leapt over the fence and tried to strike him with what is described as a Kitchen Devil-type knife."

The court also heard that the victim's partner intervened, causing Falconer to walk away. Bateman claimed his client "took the knife from another individual" and that "no contact was made" with the victim

The man has since died, though the court was told his death was not related to the assault.

Bateman conceded that Falconer has a "formidable" criminal record and noted he is currently receiving help with mental health issues.

Sheriff John Speir told Falconer: "You have a bad record especially involving the use of knives, and the only appropriate sentence is a custodial one."

The 13-month prison sentence was backdated as Falconer has been in custody since October 29.

The incident comes amid growing concerns about dangerous dogs in the UK, particularly XL bullies which have been involved in several serious attacks.

In February, an 84-year-old man died following an attack by an XL bully in Warrington, Cheshire Police confirmed.

The pensioner was walking along Bardsley Avenue when he was savagely mauled by the dog, which dragged him into a garden.

Armed police later fired 19 shots to kill the dog and another suspected XL bully at the property.