Unconscious blade thug jailed

A thug who passed out on an Ayr street has been jailed for carrying a knife.

Stewart Hastings, who has a criminal record over weapons, was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

Hastings, 30, was spotted lying unconscious on a footpath in Cowan Crescent Lochside, before police were called on April 26.

Officers suspected he was under the influence of drink or drugs as he had slurred speech, Ayr Sheriff Court heard last week.

A search revealed he had a 3 inch blade on him.

He was taken to Ayr Hospital where he received treatment for a week.

Lawyer Iain Gillies said Hastings suffers from epilepsy, which may have led to his collapse.

Mr Gillies said:“He doesn’t know where this knife came from. At the time he was living in a homeless unit.”

Hastings whose address is listed as Kilmarnock Prison has been receiving care for his condition behind bars.

Mr Gillies continued:“Mr Hastings accepts he should not be in possession of any weapons especially considering the previous convictions he has.”

Hastings has been in custody since June 8. Sheriff Carole Cunninghame said Hastings list of previous convictions“are very concerning and feature weapons including knives.”

She added:“No sentence other than a custodial sentence is appropriate.”