A council worker carried out a horror murder bid on his father in broad daylight on a busy street.
Stewart McMeekin leapt out his van and turned on Thomas McMeekin in Broomlands Street, Paisley on May 6, 2021. The 27-year-old was armed with two blades and repeatedly stabbed Thomas.
First-offender McMeekin now faces a lengthy jail term after he admitted to an attempted murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow.
Builder Thomas, then 50, was working that morning along with a young apprentice. The attack occurred near a polling station on election day.
The hearing was told Thomas had gone to a local shop at the same time his son was spotted alone in his Renfrewshire Council van.
Prosecutor Stewart Ronnie said: “The apprentice saw the van at the opposite side of the road and then heard Thomas McMeekin shouting for help. Stewart McMeekin was seen armed with two knives charging at him.
“They fell to the ground and began to struggle. McMeekin then repeatedly stabbed his father. The apprentice attempted to intervene and McMeekin said: ‘Do not get involved, you do not need to do this’.”
A taxi driver also tried to come to Thomas’s aid but McMeekin told him: “It is nothing to do with you, mate.’”
McMeekin, of Johnstone, was further heard making comments about his father. This included: “I will kill you, you rat.”
Police soon arrived and blood-soaked Thomas stated: “I have been stabbed, chest, arm, everywhere.”
Part of the incident was captured by witnesses on their mobile phones. The footage was played in court yesterday which included the young apprentice hysterically screaming for help.
The hearing was told McMeekin could clearly be identified while wearing his work clothes. Thomas was rushed to hospital requiring surgery and an emergency blood transfusion.
He was treated for multiple stab wounds to his neck, chest, stomach and wrist. Thomas has been left scarred for life and could have died, but for medical help.
Jennifer Bain KC, defending, said McMeekin no longer worked, rarely went out and was the official carer for his mother. The defence advocate had asked for him to remain on bail pending sentencing.
But judge Lady Stacey told McMeekin: “You have pled guilty to a very serious charge. Miss Bain has applied for bail, but I am not prepared to continue it. The matter is so serious, I need to remand you now.”
McMeekin will return to the dock at the High Court in Glasgow in March.
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