A Hamilton man told police he had every right to carry a knife “for my own protection”.
Officers recovered a blade when they searched Francis McWhinnie for drugs.
McWhinnie, 47, formerly of Argyle Drive, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week. He admitted having an offensive weapon in a close in the town’s Glasgow Road on December 18.
He also admitted breaching bail conditions by returning to the area on July 2.
Paula Russell, prosecuting, said officers offered to help McWhinnie when they saw him as they patrolled in Burnbank.
She explained: “He was extremely unsteady on his feet, his speech was slurred and he smelled strongly of cannabis. Officers found a knife in his pocket and he said ‘That’s ok. I carry that for my own protection’.”
Defence agent Diarmid Bruce said McWhinnie was part of a circle of friends taking drugs and drinking, but has since moved away from his associates and lives in Crofthead Street, Uddingston.
Sentence was deferred until October 15 and he had his bail continued.
