A THUG is behind bars after a brutal 17-second murder bid on a man.

Lewis Wilson, 31, and two accomplices pounced on Robert Meikle shortly after he left a shop in Paisley on June 9, 2023.

The 35 year-old was punched before Wilson brandished a blade.

Prosecutor BJ Gill told the High Court in Glasgow: "He repeatedly struck Robert Meikle's back and side in a violent and frenzied attack."

Mr Gill said the victim continued to be assaulted in an incident that lasted a total of 17 seconds before the assailants fled.

Mr Meikle ended up being rushed to hospital and was described as being at the "highest level of seriousness".

He had a total of five large wounds consistent with being struck with a machete-type weapon.

Mr Gill said the man needed surgery, is scarred for life and was only able to leave hospital three days later.

The court heard Wilson, also of Paisley, is already serving a jail-term for a weapon-related offence.

He was also on two bail orders at the time of the attack on Mr Meikle.

Wilson - via his lawyer Des Ziolo - pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge.

Judge William Gallacher deferred sentencing until April.

He told Wilson: "This was, by any description, a murderous attack.

"The injuries were very significant indeed. The fact the man survived is through good luck.

"You were already on bail for an offence involving a weapon - you then armed yourself with a further weapon and used it brutally."