Air rifle yob called cops

A drunk Larkhall man phoned the police, picked up an air rifle and told a terrified family member ‘I’m waiting on them to arrive’.

The threat led to an armed response unit rushing to Samuel Williamson’s home.

But Hamilton Sheriff Court, pictured, heard this week that he dropped the weapon when he was confronted by the specially-trained officers.

Six months later Willliamson was involved in another stand-off with the police as he brandished a knife and metal poles.

Williamson, 32, admitted possessing an air rifle without a certificate and threatening or abusive behaviour.

He also admitted stabbing a man in Larkhall on a later occasion.

The court heard the gun incident happened at his home in Loanlea Crescent around 9pm on March 31, 2020, after Williamson had been drinking all day.

He was “acting out of character” and contacted the police. He then went upstairs carrying an air rifle, saying he was “waiting on the police to arrive”. That comment “terrified” a young family member.

Police were informed about the perceived threat and firearms officers went to the house. He was ordered to drop the air rifle and lie on the ground which he did.

Williamson was then taken to hospital after telling officers he had overdosed on tablets.

He breached bail conditions by going to the family home on September 26, 2020.

Police were called around midday and when they arrived Williamson yelled ‘I’ll kill you if you come through that door’.

He then smashed a living room window, causing an officer to be showered in glass, before damaging items in various rooms.

He brandished a knife and metal poles, and warned he would kill police officers as well as himself.

The stand-off lasted 90 minutes before police negotiators persuaded Williamson to give himself up.

The third incident happened in West Clyde Street, Larkhall, around 7.15pm on June 6 last year.

Williamson admitted stabbing his victim and threatening police officers.

Jennifer Mccabe, prosecuting, said: “The men had been arguing and the accused produced a locking knife with a four-inch blade.

“He swung the knife at the man, striking him on the torso but causing no injury.

“Another witness tried to restrain the accused who was heavily intoxicated.

“Williamson was arrested and made numerous threats to kill police officers.

“He said if he was released he would return to the area and kill someone.

“He said he was not making threats but promises.

“He had a head injury and was taken to hospital where he continued to hurl abuse at police officers.”

Defence agent Jackson Bateman said his client has mental health issues as well as a longstanding alcohol problem.

Williamson was said to have been badly affected by the death of his brother in a car crash in December 2020. Williamson was himself injured in the collision.

Sheriff John Speir jailed him for two years, backdated to June 7 last year as he has been in custody since then.

Williamson will be supervised by social workers for 18 months on his release from prison.