Knifeyobina streetrammy

Police were called after a knife-wielding “nuisance”challenged neighbours in Blantyre to fight.

Officers eventually forced entry to Declan Rouse’s flat and found him bleeding from a hand wound.

They took him to hospital for treatment but he responded by making threats against them.

Rouse, 31, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week. He admitted threatening or abusive behaviour outside his home in Elm Street on June 18 and similar behaviour at Hairmyres Hospital that day. He was already on bail for other matters at the time.

Lewis Devoy, prosecuting, said police got a call around lunchtime that Rouse, armed with a small knife, was going around gardens in the neighbourhood trying to pick fights. Mr Devoy told the court:“officers attended and saw Rouse go into the communal close where his flat is. They spoke to other residents who described him as being a nuisance.

“The officers saw fresh blood on the door handle of Rouse’s flat and were concerned for his welfare. They shouted at him to come to the door but he told them to go away and said he was fine.

“Further police officers attended and eventually entry was forced. Rouse was found to be heavily intoxicated and had an obvious injury to his hand.”

Rouse was taken to hospital but while waiting to be seen by a doctor he hurled abuse at two police officers, warning he would“smash”them.

After treatment he was arrested and taken to Motherwell Police Station.

Defence agent Laura Kiernan said her client has“significant”mental health problems and addiction issues.

She told Sheriff John Speir:“a criminal justice social work report would shed light on these and explore whether or not there is an alternative to custody for him.”

Sentence was deferred until May and Rouse had his bail continued.