Man caught with knife in Greenock given unpaid work hours

James Doyle, 22, gave police no explanation for having the three-and-a-half-inch concealed blade after officers stopped and searched him on the town's Corlic Street.

Solicitor Gerry Keenan told a sentencing hearing that Doyle, of Nelson Street, had bought the knife for a 'legitimate use'.

He told the court that Doyle, who is in full-time employment as a factory worker, 'is still very young at 22' and had 'expressed some anxiety' throughout the court process.

Mr Keenan said: "He purchased the knife for a legitimate use but was in possession of it when he should not have had it.

"It was an oversight on his part and there was nothing more sinister to it than that.

"He has been assessed in the criminal justice social work report as being at a low level risk of reoffending."

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A procurator fiscal depute told the court: "Shortly before 6pm on May 13 [last year] police were on patrol in an unmarked vehicle.

"They observed the accused at the locus at which point he came to their attention.

"He was approached by officers and searched. Officers recovered a lockback knife with a three-and-a-half-inch blade in his back pocket.

"He told police he was scared but no further explanation was given."

Sheriff Anthony McGeehan told Doyle: "The court is always concerned about the possession of knives in a public place given the very dangerous consequences that can result from possession of knives.

"However, I have had an opportunity to read the report and reflect on the account given by Mr Keenan. I am prepared to deal with this by way of an alternative to a custodial sentence.

"I have also taken account of your age and the relevant sentencing guidelines for those under 25."

Doyle was given a community payback order and must complete 125 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.