Jilted boyfriend gets six years for Gilmerton pub attack

A SPURNED boyfriend who tried to kill a love rival in a brutal pub attack has been jailed.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Feb 2017, 16:14 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:29 BST
Brian Alexander pleaded guilty to attemptemting to murder a man at the Mechanic Arms pub in Gilmerton. Picture: TSPLBrian Alexander pleaded guilty to attemptemting to murder a man at the Mechanic Arms pub in Gilmerton. Picture: TSPL
Brian Alexander pleaded guilty to attemptemting to murder a man at the Mechanic Arms pub in Gilmerton. Picture: TSPL

Brian Alexander, 60, snapped after his girlfriend split up with him in November last year – and went out to seek revenge.

He had earlier been in the Mechanic Arms, in Drum Street, Gilmerton, and shared a drink with John Watt, 28.

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But, after learning he was being dumped, Alexander went back to the bar to attack Mr Watt, whom he believed had slept with his girlfriend.

He returned to the pub, walked straight over to Mr Watt and attacked him from behind – plunging a huge kitchen knife into his chest.

The blow punctured Mr Watt’s lung and sliced his liver and Alexander pulled the blade out, then struck again.

During a hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh last month, Alexander pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Mr Watt on November 27, 2016.

Lord Ericht jailed Alexander, formerly of Hyvot Court, for six years and two months.