John Brown, a 42-year-old father of four from East Kilbride, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after scythes were brandished in a street disturbance. The incident occurred on February 6 last year in Lochranza Drive and involved a high-speed chase that ended in a playpark.
Court Details
At Hamilton Sheriff Court, John Brown and his brother William Brown, 38, admitted carrying scythes without reasonable excuse and acting in a threatening or abusive manner. William Brown also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. The court heard that the disturbance began around 11.40am when a man driving a Ford Ranger pickup noticed a Ford Transit following at high speed.
Prosecutor Jack Lindsay stated that the Ford Transit and another vehicle stopped in Lochranza Drive. Six to eight males, including the Browns, exited the vehicles. The Browns were brandishing weapons and shouting at a second man, who fled. The first man, still in his vehicle with two teenage boys, attempted to drive away. William Brown re-entered his van with an unknown man and pursued him.
High-Speed Chase
The pursuit continued at high speed through a residential area. At one point, William Brown crashed into the rear of the Ranger. The chase ended in Pirnmill Avenue, where both vehicles mounted the pavement and drove onto grass at high speed. William Brown lost control and crashed into a lamp post.
Defence lawyer Gerry McGuire presented a different account. He said William Brown runs a small landscaping and groundworks business. The brothers were asked to price a job in Lochranza Drive but upon arrival saw four or five individuals armed with knives and clubs. They believed they had been duped into a trap. The scythes, normally used for cutting grass, were brandished in a stand-off. When the other individuals saw the implements, they retreated.
Previous Convictions
Mr McGuire noted that the brothers' previous convictions stem from ongoing difficulties with the first man's family. Sheriff Michael Higgins remarked that the incident was a frightening experience, especially for the two children present. John Brown has three prior convictions for carrying a blade. The sheriff stated, “You have had the benefit of community-based disposals in the past and have continued to offend.” He was jailed for 18 months.
William Brown, a father of three, received a £470 fine and was ordered to perform 225 hours of unpaid community work. He was banned from driving for 21 months and must retake his driving test. The sheriff noted his “limited” criminal record as reason for sparing him jail.
