Sheriff shows no mercy as he jails overly suspicious lout

A paranoid lout with previous convictions for carrying weapons has been jailed after being caught with a hammer.

Troubled John Winters was caged for 15 months at Paisley Sheriff Court yesterday after police snared him with the tool in Johnstone.

The 23-year-old was walking his dog on Quarry Street, in the town, on the evening of October 22 last year when officers found him in possession of the weapon — which his lawyer claimed was for protection.

Winters had previously pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, but sentencing had been deferred for medical reports to be prepared.

His defence agent Bob Kerr told the court that a head injury sustained by Winters affects his behaviour and conduct.

He said: “His behaviour changes as a result of a trauma he suffered. His memory is also affected.”

Describing the offence, Mr Kerr said there was no risk posed to the public by his actions.

He continued: “He was out walking his dog late at night and has been trying to keep himself to himself.

“He was not in a fight or a disturbance and the streets were bare of people.

“He had the item on him to protect himself against some indeterminate threat.

“There had been no direct threat made to him.”

“He had been doing well on a previous order and he could benefit from this again.”

Sheriff Tom McCartney told Winters that he had considered all the information available to him.

He said: “I have listened carefully and taken into account all that has been said on your behalf.

“I have come to the view that the only way to deal with this offence of being in possession of an offensive weapon while on bail is through the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment.

“You have two relatively recent convictions for offences of a similar nature.”

Sheriff McCartney ordered Winters, of Graham Street, Johnstone to spend the next 15 months behind bars.

He had the hammer on him to protect himself against some indeterminate threat