James Kilday stabbed cousin Joseph Timmons in Paisley murder bid A cousin stabbed his relative around 40 times during an argument between the pair. James Kilday repeatedly stabbed his 27-year-old relative Joseph Timmons in Paisley, Renfrewshire, after both men had been drinking heavily. Mr Timmons underwent emergency surgery after the attempted murder, the High Court in Edinburgh heard on Tuesday. Kilday, 26, was jailed for nine years for the attack, during which he stabbed his cousin, described as his "best friend" around 40 times in the head and body. He previously admitted attempting to murder Mr Timmons on April 27 this year at the town's Gallowhill Court. The court heard that the victim considered them "being like brothers" and "best friends." They were at the home of Brian McElwee when an argument broke out, although it is not known why. Both were uninjured when Mr McElwee left. Prosecutor Paul Kearney said Mr Timmons was subjected to an assault by his cousin who inflicted multiple injuries before leaving the flat. Kilday was later found sitting outside the home of a woman whom he told he had "battered" Mr Timmons. The attacker then went to visit a relative and confessed to stabbing someone in the face. Mr Timmons was found lying on a floor at the flat in a pool of blood and when he was asked who attacked him replied: "James." Mr Kearney added: "His prognosis at this time was extremely poor." His condition slowly improved although he remained in a coma for several days. The accused's QC John McElroy said Kilday acknowledged it was an offence of "immense seriousness" and it was agreed that the injuries inflicted very nearly caused the death of the victim. The defence representative added: "He has expressed shock and disgust at himself for his actions." Lord Pentland told Kilday: "This senseless attack involved a particularly ferocious level of sustained violence on your part." The judge pointed out that he repeatedly used a weapon to inflict around 40 stab wounds on the victim and very nearly killed him. Lord Pentland added: "You then fled the scene, leaving your victim for dead. The crime is further aggravated by the fact that you were heavily intoxicated at the time. The judge said a background report on Kilday highlighted he had abused alcohol from a young age, which is an underlying cause of his offending. His previous convictions included having an offensive weapon. The judge ordered Kilday be monitored for a further three years and warned him that during that period on licence he could be returned to prison if he failed to comply with release conditions. Lord Pentland said he was entirely satisfied that extra measures were required in Kilday's case for the protection of the public.