A thug tried to chop off a man's fingers and threatened to cut out his tongue during a horror torture ordeal.

Paul Berry turned on terrified George Lindsay, who was also stripped, bound and had cigarettes burned on him.

A judge heard there was "no explanation" for the hour-long attack in Rutherglen on September 1 2022.

It emerged the 35 year-old - who already had a history of violence - had been freed early from a previous prison term when he struck.

He is now back behind bars after he pleaded guilty - via his lawyer Graeme Brown - to abducting and assaulting Mr Lindsay to his severe injury as well as to his permanent disfigurement and impairment.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how the thug had been in the flat with his brother Richard Berry, 40, when the victim was invited in.

Mr Lindsay had known Richard for around 20 years.

After a number of hours together, a row between the men "quickly turned to violence".

Prosecutor Louise Beattie said both brothers started punching and kicking the man.

She added: "At some point, Paul Berry stripped George Lindsay of his clothes.

"He was forced onto the floor and his legs and feet tied with yellow rope.

"The assault was continued by Paul Berry for what George Lindsay estimated to be an hour."

The victim was then initially struck with a cheese knife.

Miss Beattie: "Paul Berry told him he could not leave and gave no explanation for the prolonged assault."

Paul Berry then used lit roll-up cigarettes to burn the man on the face and body.

Mr Lindsay went on to be attacked with what was described as a "potato knife".

Miss Beattie: "He was struck on the arms, body and legs. Paul Berry then used the knife to attempt to sever Mr Lindsay's pinkie and middle finger of his left hand."

The wounded victim was eventually dumped in a shower and told to get washed. His clothes and the rope were put in a bin.

The advocate depute: "He was told not to tell anyone of the incident.

"Paul Berry threatened to cut his tongue out to prevent him giving a statement."

A witness became aware of what happened to the victim and dialled 999.

Police arrived at the crime scene where Mr Lindsay and the brothers still were.

The property had a "strong smell of detergent" with blood stained clothes and shoes in the washing machine.

Mr Lindsay ended up requiring 48 stitches and 23 staples to help repair his wounds. He also later needed to have his pinkie finger amputated.

The court heard he continues to suffer "psychological symptoms" as a result of what happened.

Paul Berry also pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice including disposing of knives and clothes.

His brother Richard admitted to his reduced role in the attack by assaulting Mr Lindsay to his injury.

Lord Fairley remanded both in custody as sentencing was deferred until November 10 in Stirling.

Referring to Paul Berry, the judge stated: "I am troubled that he has such a lengthy record of violence.

"Any interruption has only been when he was incarcerated - that is extremely concerning."