Couple found with knives in car

A couple who were pulled over in their Mercedes in Coatbridge were armed with knives and screwdrivers.

Mark Wright, 29, and 21-year-old Danielle McNaughton were stopped by police on September 29 last year in Drumpellier business park.

Wright was breathalysed and found to have been driving almost four times over the limit of alcohol.

Prosecutor Rosalind Walsh told Airdrie Sheriff Court:“At 5.05am, police were asked to trace a red Mercedes motor vehicle. They found the car just off Glasgow Road, Coatbridge, at Drumpellier business park. Wright got out the driver’s door.

He was searched and a bladed weapon found in his left pocket.

“Another knife was found in the boot of the car, along with three screwdrivers in the driver’s door.

“He was breath tested, which proved positive. Both were taken to Coatbridge police office where they were cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

Defence lawyer Roberto Manini, representing Wright, said:“He knows he is on the realms of custody. He would benefit from a period of supervision.”

Tom Yuill, appearing for McNaughton, said:“She was a passenger within the vehicle but as she had a knowledge of the weapons, she is guilty by art and part.

“She has a short record, but one conviction of concern as it was of a similar nature. She is pregnant and is due in early June.”

Sheriff Fergus Thomson put Wright, of Glasgow, on a community payback order, including 12 months of supervision. He was also ordered to be electronically tagged for 108 days, from 8pm until 6pm each day.

McNaughton, also of Glasgow, had sentence deferred on her for nine months and was ordered to return to court on November 20.