Jack Muir, 31, has been sentenced to 23 months in prison at Hamilton Sheriff Court after admitting culpable and reckless conduct and threatening or abusive behaviour. The incident occurred on March 15 at a flat in McNeil Street, Larkhall, where Muir arrived in an intoxicated and agitated state, carrying a can of petrol.
Details of the Incident
Prosecutor Calum Frame told the court that Muir attended outside his partner's home at 3.15pm, banging about, shouting and swearing, which placed the woman in a state of fear and alarm. She had not heard from him for several days. Looking through the keyhole, she saw Muir walking about the common close with a petrol can, spilling its contents all over the floor.
Police officers who arrived at the scene noted a strong smell of petrol in the close. Muir was holding a lighter and attempting to light a cigarette, ignoring police requests to stop. He moved further up the stairwell before officers arrested him and took him to the ground. He then began shouting and swearing at them and repeatedly struck his head against the inside of the police cell van, causing an injury that required hospital treatment.
Additional Offences
Muir also admitted carrying a knife and resisting arrest in Annbank Street, Larkhall, on January 17. That incident followed a row at his brother's home, where police found Muir dropping a knife he was holding before struggling violently as officers attempted to arrest him.
Defence and Mitigation
Defence agent Stephen MacBride explained that the incidents occurred during a period when Muir was struggling to cope with family issues. He told Sheriff Linda Nicolson: “He turned to alcohol and cocaine. On top of that he was taking medication for his mental health. At this time he was pretty much in the grip of a nervous breakdown.” MacBride added that Muir had the petrol can with the intention of harming himself. However, he has recently been attending Alcoholics Anonymous and a recovery cafe, and his motivation to rid himself of his addictions is the fact that his partner is expecting their child.
