A MARRIED couple who bribed a witness were told by a judge their crime "strikes at the heart of the justice system".

Paul Hamilton, 42, and his wife Jolene Harkins 41, from Glasgow, who admitted giving £1,000 to stab victim Jake Francis were jailed for three years and four months and 16 months respectively.

Judge Lord Mulholland told them: “It was down to a sharp-eyed sheriff and the conscience of the the witness that this came to light. This crime strikes at the heart of the justice system in this country. This crime is so serious that only a custodial sentence is merited.”

The cash was paid in a bid to make Mr Francis drop an assault charge against Hamilton, who has a significant record for violence

But, Mr Francis, who was stabbed by Hamilton at a flat in Springburn, Glasgow, on September 14, 2016, spent the money and then gave evidence. Hamilton was convicted and jailed for three years.

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At the High Court in Glasgow, Hamilton and Harkins admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice between November 21, 2016 and January 31, last year.

At the time Hamilton was on remand awaiting trial and prison phone calls between him and Harkins revealed that he was the prime mover.

Prosecutor Iain McSporran said: “He was extremely anxious to ensure the plan would work to the extent of suggesting a further £2,000 be offered in the event of him being acquitted. On occasions she expressed reluctance to continue, but was persuaded to do so.”

Defence counsel Tony Leneham, representing Hamilton, described the move as "unsophisticated and naïve".

While defence counsel Geoff Forbes, representing Harkins, said she was suffering from ill health, adding: “She made an extraordinary error of judgment while in a fragile state.”