COURT Knife thug beat up man in close

A man caught with a knife returned to court for sentencing last week after being convicted of a sustained assault.

Steven Black, 22, appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court having earlier pleaded guilty to a series of offences which took place on various occasions on October 10 last year within the common close at Glencraig Street, Airdrie.

Black, whose address was given as a prisoner of Addiewell, assaulted the householder by repeatedly pushing him, seizing him, chasing him and repeatedly punching and kicking him.

The thug assaulted another man outside two houses on the same street by repeatedly attempting to strike him.

On the same day, Black reset a computer games console and accessories, a mobile phone and a quantity of DVDs, which had been stolen from a house in Glencraig Street.

He also pleaded guilty to being in possession of a knife.

Prosecutor Jennifer McLaren said: “At 9.55pm, the occupier of the flat arrived back and saw Black looking for a girl.

“Black grabbed him and began punching and kicking him.

“The man ran downstairs for help and, a few minutes later, Black caught up with him and the fight continued. He then assaulted another man.

“The flat owner contacted the police who attended. A short time later Black was seen nearby and in possession of several stolen items in a sports bag.

“Police also saw him in possession of a black kitchen knife, which they seized. He was taken to Coatbridge police office, cautioned and charged.”

The knife was then produced in court by the fiscal depute and shown to Sheriff Morag Shankland. The sheriff was also told that the flat owner suffered bruising and a twisted knee.

Defence lawyer Fraser McKinnon said:“Black has a fair number of convictions. He had significant difficulties as a young boy.

“Notwithstanding this is a serious matter, he is a relatively young man. He has changed his attitude.

“He has been very open and honest as to how this transpired. He is extremely motivated to change.”

Black denied repeatedly shouting, swearing and acting in an aggressive manner and making threats of violence towards three police constables and to resisting arrest.

These offences were also alleged to have happened on October 10 in Glencraig Street.

It was also claimed that on the same day and at the same address, Black behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by repeatedly shouting and swearing, acting in an aggressive manner and making threats of violence towards the householder.

His not guilty pleas to these two offences were accepted by the Crown.

Sheriff Shankland told Black:“I am just persuaded that you can avoid a custodial sentence. But this will be a one-off opportunity.

“Breach it, and you know what the alternative is.”

Black was put on a community payback order for two years and ordered to attend for drug and alcohol counselling.

A review was set for May 21, with Sheriff Shankland adding:“Breach it and bring a bag with you to court.”