Manhada knifeinhis waistband

A repeat knife offender was warned that he’d better impress social workers or he’ll be sent to jail.

Campbell Thomson had a steak knife in his waistband when police officers searched him in a Blantyre street.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard this week that he had been detained over an alleged housebreaking in Welsh Drive.

Thomson, 48, of Winton Crescent, Blantyre, admitted possessing the blade without reasonable excuse on January 10 last year while on bail for other matters.

He also admitted putting police officers at risk of injury by failing to tell them he was carrying a sharp item when they searched him.

His not guilty plea to a charge of breaking into the house and stealing a TV, baseball bat and paperwork was accepted.

Defence agent Stephen Macbride said Thomson had been trying to retrieve items, including the knife, that belonged to him from the house. His focus was on the housebreaking allegation and he “wasn’t paying attention” when the officers asked him if he was carrying anything sharp.

Mr Macbride suggested a criminal justice social work report could be obtained before sentence is passed.

He explained: “My client has issues in relation to alcohol and drugs. A report could assist the court in dealing with the case.”

Sheriff Thomas Millar said that this is Thomson’s third conviction for carrying a blade. He told the accused: “The report better be positive in your case or you know what is going to happen.”

Sentence was deferred until next month and Thomson had his bail continued.