Paul Docherty, 50, has been jailed for 22 months after admitting carrying a lockback knife at East Kilbride Shopping Centre. The blade was discovered when he was arrested following an alleged disturbance in Cornwall Street on March 23 this year.
Court Details
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that Docherty was on bail and subject to an anti-social behaviour order at the time. He also admitted shouting abuse at police officers after his arrest.
Prosecutor Kevin Morrow told the court: "Police officers had reason to attend the shopping centre at 5.20pm. The accused was arrested and conveyed to Motherwell police station. On arrival he was searched and a lockback knife was recovered. It had been clipped to the waistband of his trousers."
Defence and Sentencing
Defence lawyer Gerry McGuire said Docherty, who admitted a long list of previous convictions, could give no reason for having the knife. McGuire stated: "He had been alcohol-free for a number of years prior to this. Unfortunately, on the day of this incident he had started drinking again. He doesn't know why he consumed alcohol and has no recollection of events. He apologises for his behaviour towards the police."
Sheriff Kevin McCallum KC noted that Docherty's record includes prison stretches for assault and robbery, and knife possession. Jailing him, the sheriff said: "These latest offences are serious and all the more so given your record."
