Cops found blade in beggar’s rucksack

RON MOORE

by officers.

Fiscal depute Keri Marshall said: “The accused had been apprehended by police officers in relation to outstanding warrants which were in force.

“They had found him to be what appeared to begging in Paisley town centre at around 7.45pm on the day in question.

“Officers engaged with the accused and apprehended him over warrants which were in force.

“He was taken to Govan police office and processed there.

“He was asked if he had any sharp objects on his person or in his property and he said he did not.

“However after a search of the rucksack which had been taken from the accused, a stanley blade was found inside. “The blade was not exposed. “He was asked what he had the blade for and he indicated he didn’t know it was in his bag.

“He made no reply to caution and charge.”

This week Garbutt appeared from custody where pleaded guilty to a charge of being at Gilmour Street, Paisley, in possession of a knife without reasonable excuse or lawful authority on September 14.

Defence agent Charlie McCusker said the accused was admitting responsibility for the offence by pleading guilty to the charge at the earliest opportunity.

He added Garbutt had been handed a court punishment order in January which he had subsequently breached.

The yob was also banged up in prison for nine months for another matter and that his earliest date of liberation is February 7, next year.

The lawyer added he would reserve his submission in defence of client after the court had obtained background reports into his circumstances.

Sheriff Frances McCartney told the accused he was being remanded in custody for the preparation of a Criminal Justice Social Work Report.

Garbutt will discover his fate when he appears at court on January 7.