Man found with air rifle is placed on curfew

A Netherburn man who was spotted underneath a van and later caught carrying an air rifle has been given a curfew.

Thomas Prentice, of High Overton Street, had admitted charges of being found within the grounds of an address in the village’s Bent View on February 13 this year in suspicious circumstances. The charge stated it could be reasonably inferred that Prentice intended to commit a theft there.

He also admitted a charge of possessing an air rifle at the Bent View address contrary to the Firearms Act 1968.

The 36-year-old’s not guilty plea to charges of possessing cannabis and amphetamine at Bent View on the same date had been accepted by the Crown.

Prentice was arrested after he was spotted lying underneath a van in Bent View.

A couple had got into their car on the afternoon of February 13 this year.

They were about to drive off when the woman told her husband she could see the accused underneath her husband’s work van.

Prentice got out from underneath the vehicle. The husband took hold of him and said that he was going to call the police.

It was noted that two hubcaps were missing from the householder’s work van.

Police were called and when they arrived they immediately took possession of an airgun which Prentice had with him at the time.

Prentice’s solicitor had told Sheriff David Bicket that his client had been shooting rabbits nearby but had lost the cover for it.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court last week, Sheriff Bicket imposed a restriction of liberty order on Prentice.

He was ordered to remain within his home between the hours of 7pm and 7am seven days per week for five months.

The term was reduced from six months due to his guilty plea.