Shocked shoppers see innocent passerby stabbed as he tried to stop two men fighting

Shocked shoppers and staff at a Hamilton store watched as an innocent bystander was stabbed as he tried to stop two men fighting with blades.

The city center unrest led to father-of-three Grant O’Neill being jailed for two and a half years at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

O’Neill, 41, of Windyridge, Lesmahagow, admitted striking Stephen Yuill, 46, with a pair of scissors, causing serious injury and permanent disfigurement.

He also admitted using the blades to assault the alleged peacemaker, causing serious injuries, permanent disfigurement and impairment.

The incident happened in downtown Hamilton on August 15 last year.

Earlier, at the same court, Yuill, of Differick Drive, Lesmahagow, admitted assaulting O’Neill. His sentence was postponed due to background reports.

Employees at the Quarry Street store noticed the two men arguing around 3:20 p.m. and saw that O’Neill had an injury to the left side of his body.