A yob claimed he was “decorating” when cops found him on a park bench with a lockback knife.
David Walls, 40, was snared with the locking Stanley blade stashed in his rucksack when he trundled out the excuse.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard Walls, who already has a previous conviction for carrying an offensive weapon, told police he had been decorating his sister’s house but “forgot” he had the blade on him.
Procurator fiscal depute Ed Sheeran told the court cops had received a report about Walls on October 1, last year.
He said: “On speaking to a witness, officers were directed to the footpath at Calder Street, Lochwinnoch.
“The accused was in possession of a rucksack.
“At that time he was sitting down on a park bench.
“Due to information received he was searched and within the rucksack was a black handled lockback Stanley blade.
“It was recovered from the front pocket of the rucksack.”
Walls was arrested and taken to the police station where he told cops: “I was down at my sister’s at the weekend and I was doing painting and decorating.’
“He added; ‘I had the Stanley blade for that. I forgot it was in my bag. I have been very complacent.’”
Walls of Harvey Terrace, Lochwinnoch, pleaded guilty to a charge of being in possession of the DIY knife in a public place without reasonable excuse or lawful authority.
Defence agent David Nicholson said he had tried to get prosecution bosses to reduce the seriousness of the charge down to a summary case.
However because Walls already has a conviction for possession of weapon, this was rejected.
He said: “Given the background to and the nature of the offence, it could have been dealt with at summary level.
“However his previous conviction relates to possession of a martial arts item, which was a knife.
“This time he readily explained and even offered an apology for it.”
Sheriff Brian Mohan said: “I have heard that excuse at least nine or ten times in knife cases.
“It was for ‘fitting carpets’ or ‘I was decorating.’
“There were no other items in the rucksack and I have heard that explanation before.”
He added “so many people” offer these explanations when caught with a knife, that the courts remain sceptical of their motives.
He deferred sentencing to call for background reports.
Walls will discover his fate on July 27.
