Woman caught with knife

A WOMAN who entered a supermarket with a knife hanging out of her pocket has “very little” recollection of the event.

Nicola Heggie, 44, was spared jail following the offence that took place in Tesco, Shettleston, on March 12 last year.

She appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday after previously pleading guilty to being in possession of a knife in a public place.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “A security guard was at the CCTV podium and became aware of a female who entered the store.

“A black handled kitchen knife was observed intruding from her waistband. Staff were notified and police assistance was sought. Officers arrived, spoke with the accused and arrested her.”

Heggie’s solicitor said his client has “very little recollection of the incident”.

He added: “She was under the influence of illicit substances at the time. She had a very traumatic upbringing which has been addressed in the social work report.

“She does have a record but there are some very significant breaks. She can keep out of trouble but when her mental health is bad, she takes illicit substances which resorts to bad behaviour.

“She doesn’t have any outstanding cases and would be open to noncustodial options, however, imposing unpaid work would be setting her up to fail.”

Heggie, of Balbeggie Street in Sandyhills, was ordered to be of social work supervision.

Sheriff Mary Shields told her: “I will make you subject to a community payback order requiring you to undertake supervision for 18 months.

“Hopefully this assistance will be of benefit to you.”