Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lanarkshire Live

Drunken yob brandished 'large knife' at supermarket staff

A yob who brandished a knife in a Lanarkshire supermarket was subsequently caught with another bladed weapon just two weeks later.

James Fisher, 20, was jailed for two years at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week.

Fisher, an inmate at a young offenders' institution, admitted unlawful possession of a knife at Tesco Express on Bank Street, Coatbridge, on October 22 last year.

He also admitted possessing an offensive weapon – a toothbrush with a blade melted into the handle – on Bell Street, Airdrie, on November 5.

Lauren Cole, prosecuting, said Tesco staff noticed Fisher in the store about 5pm.

She told the court: "He was heavily intoxicated. He placed his hand inside his top and brought out a large knife.

"One of the witnesses retreated but Fisher then staggered out of the store and the employees contacted the police.

"The second incident related to homeless accommodation in Airdrie.

"A staff member there had cause to contact the police who attended and traced Fisher. He was searched and a makeshift weapon was found."

Defence agent Elspeth Forrest said Fisher has been drug-free while in custody awaiting the court case.

She suggested he could be supervised by social workers under a community payback order as an alternative to further time in custody.

Mrs Forrest added: "If progress is to be made with this young man, he needs to engage with the support that would be available to him in the community."

Passing sentence, Sheriff Petra Collins said Fisher had only two previous convictions but both were knife-related.

She told Fisher: "You have reached the stage where there is no alternative to a period of detention"

The sentence was reduced from 32 months to 24 because of his guilty pleas.

Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.