A GREENOCK man told police he was carrying a knuckleduster for his own protection after his relative was ‘shot’, the sheriff court has heard.

Thomas Munro, 23, pleaded guilty to being in possession of the offensive weapon without reasonable excuse or lawful authority on Earnhill Road.

He was seen walking on a public footpath by plain clothes officers on mobile patrol in an unmarked vehicle at around 1.15am on March 18 last year.

A fiscal depute told the court: “Due to a rise in violent incidents in days prior, police approached the accused to ensure all was in order.

“Police identified themselves both verbally and by presenting warrant cards.

“Upon doing so, the accused immediately placed his right hand in to his right trouser pocket.

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“As a result of this, police alighted the police vehicle and approached the accused.

“Police removed a black knuckle duster from the accused’s pocket.”

Munro was ‘immediately detained and cautioned’ and told officers: “It’s for my protection.

“My uncle was shot and people have been coming through my house.”

Sheriff Anthony McGeehan noted that Munro appeared in court as a first offender.

Sentencing was deferred until June 5 to allow for the preparation of social work reports.