A yob armed himself with a metal pole amid claims a group of youths were attempting to steal his gran’s dog.
Kieran Robertson, 21, was arrested by police in the town’s Neilston Road, following an encounter with youths he believed were after the pooch.
He believed one of the men had a blade and he armed himself with the post as a deterrent to those he feared were attempting to snatch the dog.
Robertson, formerly of Stock Street, Paisley, but now staying in Glasgow’s south side, appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of an offensive weapon, namely a metal pole, without reasonable excuse or lawful authority.
The court heard the accused, who has spent time in the juvenile system, had gone to a house party in Paisley on March 23, last year, accompanied by his gran’s dog.
A defence agent said his client spent time at the house where several people were drinking and under the influence of drugs.
He said Robertson believed others were attempting to “spike his drink” and that they wanted the dog, which belonged to his grandmother.
He told how “the mood in the house changed,” and he left the property with the dog.
Robertson claimed he was being pursued by a number of men, one of whom was in possession of a knife, when he saw the pole lying in the road.
He picked it up for “self defence” when he was being chased.
Cops spotted him in Neilston Road with the paling when he was arrested.
His lawyer urged the court to show Robertson leniency as he had pleaded guilty to the offence.
He added his client, who has battled drugs and alcohol problems, is living in supported accommodation and would be willing to comply with supervision.
Previously, Robertson was handed unpaid work and placed under mandatory supervision for abusing hospital staff in Paisley.
He also spat on a police officer and shouted obscenities in another incident in the town.
Sheriff David Pender said he wanted the court to keep an eye on Robertson.
He deferred sentence for six months ordering him to be of good behaviour.
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