Knife thug launched brutal Christmas attack on twin brother

Noel Barclay (25) attacked his non-identical twin Patrick Barclay after Patrick paid a Christmas Eve visit to Noel's flat in St Kilda Crescent, Kirkcaldy.

A court heard that Noel Barclay had a series of convictions for violence, and prosecutor Michael Maguire described the twins' relationship as "estranged, due to contrasting lifestyle choices".

Mr Maguire said Patrick Barclay had arrived at Noel's flat about 3.00 pm on Christmas Eve.

He said: "After a short conversation in the living room they had a disagreement in relation to family matters."

After grabbing a knife from the kitchen, Noel Barclay returned to the living room and shouted to his brother, "You're dead. Don't talk to me like that."

Mr Maguire said: "He grabbed his brother's jumper and pulling his brother towards him he put the blade to his brother's throat.

"He then began punching his brother to the head while the knife was in his hand."

After a struggle Patrick managed to break free and flee the flat and call the police, who arrived a short time later.

Noel Barclay was taken to Kirkcaldy Police Station and charged.

Mr Maguire said Patrick Barclay did not require hospital treatment, but had sustained "several" three-inch long cuts to the right hand side of his face.

Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court over a video link from Perth Prison, Noel Barclay pleaded guilty to assaulting his brother to his injury in the incident on December 24, 2019.

Defence solicitor Martin McGuire said: "He and his brother have had a fairly turbulent relationship over the years and there have been incidents between them previously, but nothing that's been so serious that it's led to police involvement."

Imposing the 17-month jail term, Sheriff Derek Hamilton told the accused: "As soon as you bring a knife into an argument that increases the seriousness of the incident.

"You have a significant record for violence, including causing severe injury and permanent disfigurement to danger of life."