A teenager who stabbed a man in the heart after a drugs deal turned sour has been locked up for seven years.
The 17-year-old attacked brothers Peter and James Stewart when they travelled from Aberdeen down to Aberdeen with £6,500 to buy cannabis.
Yesterday, the court heard the boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – had been “manipulated” into attacking the pair by his uncle, who is a serving prisoner.
The teen attacked the brothers at an address in Wardieburn Street West, Edinburgh on April 8 last year.
He was found guilty of attempting to murder 44-year-old Peter, by knifing him through the heart, and assaulting 46-year-old James to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement, after a trial at the High Court in Livingston last month.
At the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, judge Lord Glennie told the boy: “On the evidence which the jury must have accepted, this was a vicious attack with a knife which you were carrying.
“I accept it was a single blow from you, but Mr Stewart could well have died.”
During the trial, the court heard the Stewart brothers had gone down to Edinburgh to buy the drugs.
When they went into the flat close, the boy spun round and attacked them as part of a ploy by his uncle to rob them.
Defence counsel Brian McConnachie QC told the court yesterday: “There is no dispute that this was a matter not of his own making. He was manipulated in some senses into this situation by his uncle, who is a serving prisoner in Shotts prison.
“He deeply regrets the fact that injury was caused.”
Mr McConnachie said his client realised he was going to detention, but that he hoped to learn some skills.
Imposing the seven-year term, Lord Glennie said: “You accept it was a drugs deal which went wrong.
“I am impressed by your intention to use the time in custody constructively. I hope it will keep you away from a criminal lifestyle in the future.”