Knife thug jailed for trying to force way into a house

A man who tried to force his way into a Bothwell couple’s home while armed with a knife has been jailed for 14 months.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard Richard Wilson warned Richard Armstrong his jugular vein was “getting it”.

Wilson (33), a prisoner, claimed his brother had been the victim of a vendetta and that was why he went to Mr Armstrong’s home in Carrick Way on May 1 this year.

He admitted shouting threats and trying to force his way into the property, having an offensive weapon and trying to stab Mr Armstrong. Neil Thomson, prosecuting, said Mr Armstrong and his wife, Sarah, were at home about 11pm when they realised someone was at the door.

The fiscal explained: “Mr Armstrong went to the door and saw the accused, who is known to him.

“Wilson tried to push past him, shouting ‘I’m going to kill you’, but Mr Armstrong managed to close the door over.

“The accused then began to punch and kick the door and smashed a small window with a knife he had with him. He then pushed the knife through the gap, shouting ‘You’re getting it. Next time I see you your jugular is getting it’.

“The police arrived shortly after this.” A defence agent said Wilson’s younger brother had been the subject of malicious claims which had left him “extremely upset”.

The lawyer added: “He went to speak to Mr Armstrong after he had been drinking.

“He knows his behaviour was unacceptable, but although he stuck the knife through the smashed window, it would have been extremely difficult for him to strike Mr Armstrong with it.”

Passing sentence, Sheriff David Bicket pointed out that dad of four Wilson has a previous conviction for serious assault involving a weapon and convictions for lesser assaults and public order offences.