Teen who ran across busy Edinburgh road and plunged 'large kitchen knife' into school friend jailed

The vicious attack was captured on CCTV

A 17-year-old who stabbed a friend three times with a large kitchen knife in a murder bid was today caged for four years.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, ran across a busy Edinburgh road at 5pm with the weapon before plunging it into his 16-year-old pal.

He admitted attempting to murder his friend, who also cannot be named for legal reasons, on April 14, last year.

The attack took place at Gilmerton Road near to the junction with Moredunvale Road.

The vicious attack was captured on CCTV

At the High Court in Glasgow judge Lord Arthurson told the teenager, who is an apprentice electrician: “Footage was shown in court of you running across a busy road in Edinburgh at 5pm and striking your 16-year-old victim.

“You have shown a high level of remorse and I accept that your conduct was out of character.”

Defence counsel Susan Duff argued for a community-based disposal rather that detention, but Lord Arthurson said: “It would be inappropriate and unrealistic given the gravity of the offence.”

Ms Duff said that her client was a first offender and added: "He bitterly regrets his actions and what he did to someone who had been a childhood friend.

"There is nothing to suggest he will re-offend.'

The teenager was 16 when he carried out the knife attack.

The attack took place at Gilmerton Road near to the junction with Moredunvale Road.

Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC told the court: "The weapon used was a large kitchen knife. The injuries sustained by the complainer were life threatening."

The court heard the victim was walking on Gilmerton Road with a friend when his attacker emerged from a house armed with a pink knife.

He ran up to the victim and stabbed him before leaving the scene and heading to Ellen's Glen woods.

The stab victim collapsed at the side of the road and passers-by went to his aid as police and an ambulance were called.

He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and underwent surgery after suffering chest and stomach wounds.

Mr Prentice said: "It is anticipated he will make a full physical recovery."