A MURDER bid victim helped catch his attacker when he took his assailant's phone by mistake.

Dale Tummon was set upon by Ian Aitchison after being lured to a property in Paisley on March 10 this year.

The 29-year-old suffered four slash wounds including a potentially life-threatening injury to his neck.

Police probed the attack after Mr Tummon turned up at hospital badly hurt.

It led to Aitchison - who already had a violent past - being identified as a suspect.

Aitchison's girlfriend lived at the property where the slashing occurred.

Officers went there and prosecutor Ali Murray told how there was evidence of blood outside including a stained tissue.

There was also a "strong smell of bleach" and it appeared the stairs had just been cleaned.

Aitchison was found hiding in a bedroom.

The police went on to spot an iPhone 12 handset in the living room.

Mr Murray said: "The phone was recovered and later confirmed by Dale Tummon that it belonged to him.

"After the attack, Dale Tummon had picked up a similar phone by mistake.

"The phone picked up by him was later examined and found to belong to Aitchison.

"This was confirmed by way of addresses, images and messages found by cyber crime officers."

The High Court in Glasgow heard Aitchison had texted Mr Tummon late on March 9.

But, Mr Murray said this was a "pretence" to arrange to meet up with the victim where the attack occurred.

Aitchison today pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge.

The hearing was told he had 15 previous convictions including a number for serious assault. He was also on bail at the time for a breach of the peace.

Lady Stacey remanded Aitchison in custody and said she is considering an extended sentence when he returns to the dock next month.