A KNIFE thug who brutally slashed a man in a city centre street is back behind bars.

Paul McCandlish, 31, pounced on Sean Park in May last year leaving the ex-sound engineer scarred for life.

The attack happened while Mr Park was walking in Union Street.

The 26 year-old victim told jurors: “I recall being grabbed from behind – a boy then saying: 'remember me?'

“I then felt a rip at my right ear.”

The attacker was said to have stated: “Do you want it again?”

Mr Park identified McCandlish as his attacker.

The High Court heard words had earlier been exchanged between the men – although they had never met prior to that.

Mr Park denied claims during the trial that he had threatened McCandlish.

McCandlish now faces a lengthy jail-term after he was convicted of assaulting the victim to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Jurors decided he had acted while under provocation.

It emerged McCandlish had previously been locked for attempted murder.

McCandlish – who was also convicted of threatening police – will be sentenced next month.

Lord Clark told him he was guilty of a “vicious” assault.