A “dangerous” criminal who stabbed a 54-year-old man in broad daylight in Hamilton has been jailed.

Sherwon Ible confronted Richard Smith in the street outside City Hall and pushed a blade he had been carrying in his trouser pocket into Mr Smith’s chest.

Today at Supreme Court, Ible, 31, who has previous convictions for assault, robbery and possessing a bladed article, was sentenced to three years in jail.

“I am really concerned with him walking out of prison any time soon,” said Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves.

“I consider him to be dangerous. He needs some time in jail and he also needs some treatment.

“He has to understand that when you go around this country stabbing people you are going to prison. They must feel the blow when the court delivers it to them.”

Ible targeted Mr Smith as he stood on Church Street in the city at 6.45pm on June 13, last year.

He walked towards him and pulled out a blade from his trouser pocket during the fight.

Mr Smith suffered a 2cm cut to the left side of his left chest that was treated with stitches in hospital.

In a victim impact statement read to the court Mr Smith said he was extremely traumatised by the incident.

He added: “I don’t bother anyone. This is really messed up. I still feel pain in my left side.”

Ible fled the scene after the stabbing and was arrested in Par-la-Ville park later the same day.

He later pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Today, Ible told the court: “My whole life I have been bullied. This man was 6ft 6in to my 5ft flat.

“He slapped me and almost knocked me out and then I pulled out the knife because I was scared for my life.”

Judge Greaves ordered that the three-year prison term should be followed by three years on probation with a series of conditions including participating in a violence prevention and cognitive skills groups as well as a structured substance abuse programme.

Ible, who will also have to abide by a curfew once he is released, was told that he would be sent back to prison if he failed to comply with and of the requirements of the probation order.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. As we are legally liable for any slanderous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.