Drunk stabbed attrees

A drunk kitchen porter seen stabbing trees in a Hamilton street has been jailed for more than a year.

When police arrived Gary Gibson was lying on the pavement with a knife next to him.

Gibson, of Woodhead Green, Hamilton, admitted possession of a blade and threatening or abusive behaviour in Millgate Road in July 2019.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard a man looked out his window at 3.20pm to see the 47-year-old holding a knife and shouting.

Jennifer Mccabe, prosecuting, said: “He was stabbing and slashing trees, then fell backwards onto the road where he lay for about a minute.

“Gibson eventually got to his feet and walked towards the witness’s car. Fearing he’d attack the car, the householder contacted the police.

“The accused then made his way along Hillside Crescent and Hillside Lane.

“Police found him in Millgate Road about 3.35pm. He was lying on the pavement with a knife next to him. He was detained and began to shout and swear at the officers.”

Defence agent Stephen Macbride said dad-of-two Gibson had finished work at a Bothwell restaurant and gone drinking with his father before heading home.

He added: “He was intoxicated and fell, breaking his collarbone. The police officers brought him to his feet, causing him extreme pain, and he lost his temper.

“He remembers using the knife at work and accepts he must have put it in his pocket, though he can’t remember doing that.”

Gibson’s record includes a High Court conviction that led to a lengthy jail sentence.

However, Mr Macbride said he shows “a willingness to make changes to his lifestyle”.

Sheriff Linda Nicolson accepted Gibson has made “significant” improvements, but added: “I see no alternative to a custodial sentence.”

Gibson was jailed for 58 weeks.