Gary Muir jailed for stabbing wife in 'referendum row' Published duration 26 July 2013

A man who accidentally stabbed his wife during a heated row about Scotland's independence referendum has been jailed for 14 months.

Gary Muir admitted stabbing Matthew Stewart during the row at a flat in Falside Road, Paisley, on 20 April.

The 46-year-old also admitted accidentally stabbing Allison Muir after she tried to disarm him.

Mrs Muir suffered damage to her liver, stomach and gall bladder, which surgeons had to remove.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard how the couple had been out with family and friends for a birthday celebration.

Hit with bottle

Mr Muir then became embroiled in a political argument about Scotland's independence referendum.

The court heard how he became enraged after he was hit on the head by a woman who was wielding a bottle.

Muir then went into the kitchen of the flat and returned with two knives and repeatedly stabbed Matthew Stewart on the body.

At a previous hearing last month, Muir admitted assaulting Matthew Stewart and assaulting his wife to the danger of her life.

The court heard that he had been living at a separate address in Paisley as part of his bail conditions.

When Muir returned for sentencing on Friday, the court heard that Mrs Muir was making a good recovery and had indicated that she wished bail conditions to be revised so she could be re-united with her husband.

Sheriff Tom McCartney told Muir: "This case demonstrates the dreadful consequences that can occur when someone chooses to take up a knife.

"Your actions in relating to the first charge resulted in severe injury but the consequences of your recklessness in charge two were even more severe.