A Larkhall man who armed himself with a knife because he was scared of other people has been slammed by a sheriff.
Ryan Gray, 24, of Westerton Avenue, admitted having an offensive weapon in Brandon Street, Hamilton, on October 24.
Defence agent Bobby Reid referred to Gray’s explanation that he had the knife for protection.
Mr Reid told Hamilton Sheriff Court: “He realises he can’t do this and the case has been a wake-up call for him.”
Gray is currently doing unpaid community work imposed in another case.
Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen told him: “You are very much on the edge of custody.
“At least you had the candour to admit why you had the knife.
“You say you are apprehensive of other people, but what you did is not on.
“This is not the way to protect yourself. A knife is carried, a fight starts and away you go to prison for ten years.”
The sheriff said he was prepared to impose a tagging order as an alternative to prison.
Gray will be confined to his home between 7pm and 7am each day for four months.
