Man showed he had a knife in his pocket after dispute over electricity

A MAN showed a shop worker he had a knife on him after getting into a dispute over an electricity key.

Joseph Kelly, 33, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to uttering threats of violence and being in possession of a knife at a shop on Smithycroft Road on March 2.

The court heard: “A shop assistant was working within the Lifestyle Express when the accused entered the store. He entered into a discussion with the witness about his electricity key.

“The employee informed him he had not paid the outstanding balance for the bill. The accused demanded the return of his key.

“He stated he would ‘smash the shop up’. Whilst saying this, he had his right hand in his pocket of his tracksuit which he opened up and showed the employee a black handled knife.

“The employee asked why he was showing him a knife and he said ‘I got it from my home’.

“The employee informed the accused he would phone the police and the accused exited the shop.

“At 10.05pm, police found the accused and recovered the knife from him. He was cautioned and charged and made the reply, ‘I do not agree with it at all’.”

Kelly’s solicitor said his client, from Riddrie, was intoxicated at the time of the offence.

He added: “He has struggled with alcohol misuse. My submission would be to call for supervision in relation to his alcohol misuse. If he is sent to custody the issues will remain undealt with and will continue on his release. He’s told me he will co-operate with supervision if it is put in place.”

Sheriff Allan Findlay told Kelly: “I’ll place you on a restriction of liberty order. If you breach the order you will be sent to jail.”

Kelly was ordered to be of social work supervision for one year and stay within his home between 7pm-7am for eight months.