Man jailed for seven years over knife attack on dog walker

Paul Weller Aries was jailed for seven years at the High Court in Edinburgh

A man who repeatedly stabbed a dog walker has been jailed for seven years.

Paul Weller Aries, 42, of Hawick, lunged at his victim with a knife, leaving him with injuries that a doctor described as severe and life-threatening.

Jason Lowe had set out to walk his dog in Hawick in the Borders on 26 March when he was set upon by Aries, who continued to attack him as he tried to escape.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Aries admitted assaulting Mr Lowe, 44, to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.

The court heard he was on bail granted at Jedburgh Sheriff Court in November last year at the time of the attack.

A judge told him: "It is plain that only a significant custodial disposal is appropriate in this case."

Lord Arthurson pointed out that Aries had amassed 62 groups of previous convictions and added: "You have served, on my count, no less than 39 custodial sentences."

The judge pointed out that Aries' "weapon of choice" was also a knife at a previous conviction at the high court in 2015 when he was jailed for an assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life committed while he was on bail.

Lord Arthurson told him that he would have faced a nine-year jail term for his latest offence, but for his guilty plea.

'Intolerable in society'

Advocate depute Eric Robertson told the court that Aries had "numerous" previous convictions, including for road traffic, drugs, violence and breach of the peace offences.

The prosecutor said that Mr Lowe and Aries were known to each other but were not on good terms.

The court heard that as the victim approached an area outside Hawick's Santa Marina restaurant he saw two males, one of whom was Aries who threatened him before attacking him with a knife.

Mr Lowe was taken to Borders General Hospital for treatment after the assault and was found to have knife wounds and a fractured rib.

Defence counsel Rosalyn McTaggart said Aries had a history of addiction issues and suffered adverse experiences.

She said that by pleading guilty he had shown remorse and a recognition that his behaviour was "intolerable in society".

Det Con Luc Francois said Aires had shown "no regard" for Mr Lowe's life and the incident could have had a "much worse outcome".

"Thankfully, the victim was able to quickly get medical attention," he added.

"We are committed to tackling all forms of violent crime and the use of offensive weapons.

"They have a negative influence on our communities and can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims, their families and those who use them.

"We continue to work with partners to make our communities safer."