A GREENOCK man has been jailed for almost a year after he was caught in possession of a blade - despite a plea from his lawyer that a prison sentence would be "devastating".

Police discovered the lock back knife during a search of 25-year-old Lee Piggott in the town earlier this year.

Piggott, of Chestnut Road, pleaded guilty at the town's sheriff court to being in possession of a blade in South Street on March 25.

It was revealed during the hearing that Piggott was a repeat offender, having a previous conviction for a similar offence.

The court heard that Piggott had been seen ‘acting suspiciously’ near motor vehicles on Brisbane Street at around 10pm, and that a witness had contacted police to report their concerns.

Officers attended the area and carried out a search before observing Piggott close to a number of parked cars in nearby South Street.

Piggott was searched at the scene and the officers discovered a small lock back knife in his jacket pocket.

Defence solicitor Amy Spencer noted that Piggott had a previous conviction for carrying a knife, but said he could not be described as a ‘violent offender’ based on his record.

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Ms Spencer added: “In my submission, a period of custody at this stage in his life would be devastating.

“At the moment, he’s got a lot to lose, and a lot of reasons to cooperate, and he would prioritise any order of the court.”

Sheriff James Varney described the case as ‘difficult’, highlighting that Piggott’s offending record was ‘concerning’.

He said: “Ms Spencer has really said everything that can be said in a case like this.

“There is no space in our society for carrying knives.

“You were on bail at the time of this offence. There is no other option in my view.”

Sheriff Varney jailed Piggott for 45 weeks, reduced from a term of 50 weeks to take account of his guilty plea.