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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lanarkshire Live

Man claims he bought pepper spray after being assaulted with sword

A Blantyre man faces a year-long curfew after being caught with an illegal pepper spray.

Craig Simpson claimed he bought the spray for protection after intruders nearly killed him in the dead of night.

He told police officers: "I got assaulted with a sword and you're telling me I can't buy that off eBay so I can protect myself in my own home?"

Simpson, 42, of Calder Street, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted breaching the Firearms Act by possessing a canister containing the irritant capsaicin at his then home in Nursery Place on February 4.

The court heard police and paramedics went to the house because of concerns about Simpson.

Police officers spotted a container of Commander Strong pepper spray among cans of deodorant and other items on top of a chest of drawers.

When challenged about what is classed as a prohibited weapon, Simpson replied: "I got sprayed by pepper spray myself while me and my partner were sleeping.

"Somebody broke in through the window at half past three in the morning.

"They gave me multiple fractures to the skull. I had bleeding to the brain and have a brain injury.

"I have PTSD. The CID are looking into it. I'm in fear for my life."

Simpson's lawyer said he bought the spray online because he was "fearful of repeat attacks". He didn't realise it was illegal.

The solicitor added: "I submit that the court can step back from imposing a prison sentence.

"The social work report recommends an alternative to custody."

Sheriff Colin Dunipace imposed an electronic tagging order, preventing Simpson from leaving his home between 7pm and 7am each day for the next 12 months.

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