A KNIFEMAN caught by police with a blade on a Port street told officers he intended to use it as an offensive weapon because people were out to murder him.

Robbie Hagen, 20, was stopped after dark on the town's Glen Avenue after officers were called by his mother, Greenock Sheriff Court was told.

Hagen stated at the time: "I've got it for my own protection — folk are trying to kill me."

He added: "Folk are trying to kill me, what do you want me to do?"

The incident occurred shortly before 8pm on October 2 last year.

Hagen — convicted in 2019 for terrorising an autistic man with death threats — has been remanded in custody over the knife offence following a string of bail breaches.

Prosecutor Claire Rowan told the court: "Officers saw the accused walking towards a taxi and he was told to stop.

"The accused entered the taxi and appeared to be fidgeting with something in his pocket.

"He was hesitant and nervous towards the police and was detained for a drug search.

"A blue lock-back knife was recovered."

Hagen, previously of South Street in Greenock, pleaded guilty to an indictment charge of having unlawful possession of an offensive weapon.

He also admitted through lawyer David Tod to three breaches of bail.

The Telegraph told in 2019 how Hagen ambushed an autistic stranger's car and terrorised him with death threats as he smashed the vehicle up in a drug-induced rage.

He stepped in front of the Citroen C3 on the Port's Clune Brae and forced his victim to stop before jumping on the bonnet and booting the windscreen until it shattered and caved in.

Solicitor Mr Tod said of Hagen's latest offending: "This is a case where a report would be of advantage.

"Mr Hagen has mental health issues which are exacerbated by drug use, and he accepts that."

Sheriff Joseph Hughes deferred sentence for a background report until March 10 and further remanded Hagen in custody meantime.