A man has been jailed after admitting slashing a notorious underworld figure following a long-standing feud.

David Togher attacked Sean "Lugs" McGovern in front of horrified onlookers in Edinburgh city centre last July.

The 32-year-old was set upon moments before he was to return to jail from home leave.

McGovern is currently serving 17 years for a pub shooting and drug crimes.

Togher and his unknown accomplices fled the scene leaving McGovern slumped on the street and covered in blood.

Togher, 31, was later caught after being spotted buying distinctive cycling gear worn during the attack.

On Tuesday at the High Court in Glasgow, Togher was jailed for six years after he admitted assaulting McGovern to the danger of life.

A judge heard how McGovern refused to help police but Togher's QC said there had been "historical" bad blood between the men.

Togher was previously jailed in 2009 for his part in a major drugs gang in the capital.

Lord Turnbull told him: "The victim was a serving prisoner who was obviously an enemy of yours for one reason or another."

He added the slashing was "premeditated and calculated".

McGovern had been at the end of a week's home leave from HMP Castle Huntly when he was attacked on July 27.

His girlfriend Jade Cameron dropped him off at Waterloo Place in Edinburgh at around 12.30pm and he was set to board a G4S security vehicle back to jail.

As he got out his partner's Mercedes, Togher and an accomplice raced out of a stolen Skoda car towards him.

It is thought they had followed McGovern that day.

Prosecutor Bernard Ablett told the court: "Both were wearing cycling tops, gloves, caps, sunglasses and snoods partially covering their faces.

"Togher and the other man were in possession of knives."

Mr Ablett added McGovern was then "quickly" struck on the head and face with the blades.

Togher and his friend sprinted back to the Skoda with the driver still behind the wheel as McGovern briefly gave chase. The duo jumped in the car and fled the scene.

McGovern was taken to hospital with injuries to his neck, face and hand but Mr Ablett said: "He refused to cooperate with the police inquiry."

The stolen getaway car ended up torched near a cycle path in Duddingston.

Police later got an anonymous call that Togher, of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, was involved.

During the probe, officers studied the "distinctive" tops worn by Togher and his accomplice, which were found to have been sold in a Halfords branch a week before the attack.

Mr Ablett said: "The police viewed CCTV covering the time of the purchase. Togher and another male were seen within Halfords at the relevant time."

Togher was eventually held on August 8 at a caravan park in East Lothian but he made no comment to the allegations.

His QC Mark Stewart later told the court: "He makes no bones about it... he had a historical difference with Mr McGovern that lead to this incident.

"He became aware Mr McGovern was at liberty and accepts his conduct as described."

Lord Turnbull told Togher the jail term would have been eight years but for his guilty plea.