A MAN in his 50s caught with a knife in the glove box of his car has been handed a fine by a sheriff - who told him he did not believe he was a 'young thug'.

Police found the blade concealed in the compartment within David Rush's vehicle after a stop and search in Greenock.

The 58-year-old received a financial punishment when he was sentenced at the sheriff court.

The hearing was told officers pulled Rush over on East Hamilton Street around noon on May 23 last year.

Prosecutor Fergus Warner said a person who had been sitting in the front passenger seat made off from police before Rush was detained for a search of his vehicle.

The officers found a blue-handled knife in the glove box and the court was told the length of the blade 'exceeded three inches'.

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Rush, who pleaded guilty to the charge at a trial diet, was cleared of two further alleged offences - having a wooden cane as an offensive weapon, and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by uttering threats of violence.

Defence solicitor Amy Spencer said her client 'has not come to the attention of the court since 2007', and added: "It is unfortunate he finds himself in this situation at his age."

Sheriff David Pender said: "I have a view that section 49 [of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act, making it an offence to have in a public place an article with a blade or point without reasonable excuse or lawful authority] is designed to prevent young thugs carrying knives and using them.

"I do not think he is in that category."

Rush, of Douglas Rae Road, was fined £440 - which includes a £20 victim surcharge - to be repaid at a rate of £60 per month.