Caught with knife in public

A 38-year-old Airdrie woman, who was caught carrying a knife in public, was told by a sheriff, that she was “borderline” on being sent to prison.

Kayreen Finnigan, of Parkhead Lane, appeared for sentence at Airdrie Sheriff last week.

Finnigan had previously admitted being in possession of a knife in Wellwynd, Airdrie, on August 24 last year.

At the time she was also on bail, having had an order imposed on her at Airdrie Sheriff Court, just one month earlier.

Lawyer Darren Khorasani told the court: “She appreciates it is a serious offence.”

Sentencing Finnigan, Sheriff Morag Galbraith told her: “It is borderline, but I am satisfied that there is an alternative to custody.

“Normally in circumstances like this of carrying a knife in public, a person would be going to prison for a long time.”

Finnigan was put on a community payback order for 18 months, including supervision and counselling as directed by her social worker.

She was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and told that the whole order was an alternative to custody.

Driver is banned

A Moodiesburn man, who drove dangerously under the influence of drink, has escaped a jail sentence.

Boozed up Michael McFaulds, 44, of Bridgeburn Drive, was “swerving across both lanes” of Corsewall Street, Coatbridge, and striking kerbs on each side of the street.

The horrific piece of driving happened on May 29.

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard this week how McFaulds failed to keep control of the car and almost collided with a fence.

Prosecutor Yolande Love told the court: “He repeatedly struck the kerbs, crossed the lanes and drove on the wrong side of the road into the path of oncoming traffic forcing other cars to swerve to avoid a collision.

“Members of the public phoned the police, followed him and removed the keys from his ignition when his car finally came to a halt.

“His speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet.

“He was taken to Coatbridge police office, where he refused to give two specimens of breath.”

A Crown motion for forfeiture of the car was refused by Sheriff Morag Galbraith after it was revealed the car he was driving belonged to Mobility Scotland and was the property of McFaulds’ brother. The accused was a named driver.

Lawyer Roberto Manini said: “He had been binge drinking. He has no previous convictions and pled guilty at the earliest opportunity.”

Sheriff Galbraith said: “This was a horrific piece of driving but there is an alternative to custody.”

McFaulds was given a community payback order of 18 months, including supervision and ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service within nine months.

He was also banned from driving for 30 months and ordered to resit his driving test if he wants his licence back following the ban.

Hospital tirade

An Airdrie man narrowly avoided a prison sentence after causing a disruption within the triage department of Monklands Hospital.

Boozed up John Boreland, 53, of Cairnview, Cairnhill, committed the offence on September 23 last year when, on various occasions at the hospital, he conducted himself in a disorderly manner by shouting and swearing and repeatedly failed to desist. He admitted committing a breach of the peace.

Fiscal depute Yolande Love said: “Boreland had attended due to his intoxication and had expressed suicidal tendencies.

“It was at 3am and he was in the waiting area of the triage department when he began shouting and swearing. Other members of the public became alarmed by his conduct.

“His behaviour continued and a nurse contacted the police.

“He was then taken away by police, cautioned and charged and released when sober.”

Lawyer Roberto Manini said: “My client is an alcoholic.”

Sheriff Morag Galbraith said: “I am just persuaded not to send you to prison.

“This was not acceptable behaviour when doctors and nurses are doing their work in a hospital.”

Boreland was put on a two- year community payback order, including supervision and was order to attend for alcohol counselling.

Bail is continued

A Plains man who behaved in a threatening and abusive manner at home will return to court in August once he has been fitted with a hearing aid.

Jordan Dunsmore, 23, of Jarvie Avenue, committed the offence on May 23, this year.

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard how he behaved in a threatening and abusive manner, causing fear and alarm.

He was repeatedly shouting and swearing and struck the floor.

Sheriff Morag Galbraith deferred sentence until August 10 to allow Dunsmore to be fitted with a hearing aid.

The sheriff told Dunsmore: “I want you to hear what is being said.”

Dunsmore’s bail was continued in the meantime.

Normally in circumstances like this of carrying a knife in public, a person would go to prison