A care-in-the community patient who knifed a man i
A care-in-the community patient who knifed a man in an unprovoked attack at a bustling London train station was jailed for four years today.
Former lorry driver Hugh Clelland, 54, stabbed horrified victim Dennis McDonald in the back with a lock-knife outside Kings Cross terminus.
And his barrister said today: ‘Clelland must have the right to proper treatment.
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The deranged Scot was arrested nearby as he fled the scene but screamed at police officers: ‘I hope the f***ing bastard dies.
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Police discovered Clelland, who suffers from drink-related psychosis, was armed with four knives.
And he had two steak-knives tied together with an elastic band.
After the horror attack Mr McDonald was rushed to hospital where his spleen was removed, the court heard.
Clelland admitted unlawful wounding.
Howard Vagg, prosecuting, said Mr McDonald was attacked on February 17 this year as he stood outside WH Smith.
After a brief exchange of words, Clelland pulled the four-inch lock knife from his pocket and stabbed the victim once in the side, said Mr Vagg.
The knifeman was followed by security staff to an nearby archway where he was arrested by the police.
As officers tried to restrain him Clelland shouted:
‘I stuck it right into him.
I hope the fucking bastard dies.
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The court was told Clelland had been drinking all day, while his victim had also been consuming alcohol.
Clelland claimed he had been robbed by two black men earlier that day.
He said he was on edge and thought the victim was going to attack him.
Clelland, originally from New Lanark, later told officers: ‘I only meant to frighten the guy.
I thought I was going to punch him, but how the hell it (the knife) ended up in my hand.
It just appeared from nowhere.
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He has 25 convictions for offences including burglary, theft and possession of offensive weapons dating back 20 years.
Edward McKiernan, defending, said the comments Clelland made to police were uttered as he was being restrained with some force.
‘The defendant is geniunely remorseful,’ said Mr McKiernan.
He added that Clelland has been a frequent patient at mental institutions.
But he has never received the help he needs.
‘He got into this Catch 22 situation.
Because of his long-term drinking history when he came off drink he suffered when he stopped taking drink.
‘He was hallucinating.
Hearing music.
Hearing voices and actually having conversations with the voices.
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McKiernan added: ‘Whilst the public have the right to travel in peace and quiet without fear, people like Clelland must have the right to have proper treatment.
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Jailing Clelland for four years, Judge Paul Focke QC told him: ‘I bear in mind that you are today remorseful.
‘Because of the nature and seriousness for the event the only way I can deal with you is by way of a custodial sentence.
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Clelland, of Arlington House, Arlington Rd, Camden showed no emotion as he was led away to begin his sentence.
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