Weapons man given two year supervision order

A Tullibody man was this week placed on supervision for two years and tagged for three months on charges of carrying offensive weapons.

Jamie Balfour, of Newmills, had admitted carrying a screwdriver and a pair of scissors at Shillinghill, Alloa, on November 21, 2018.

He pleaded guilty to charges of having an offensive weapon (a screwdriver) and an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed (the scissors), both without lawful authority.

The 31-year-old was found carrying the weapons in a bag.

His lawyer said that Balfour had mental and physical health problems as well as bereavement and addiction issues.

She said he is currently engaged in a mental health programme involving a community psychiatric nurse and psychiatrist.

Balfour’s record included two matters“some 10 to 11 years ago” which were directly analogous to the matter before the court.

However, a 2010 matter in which he received a non-custodial sentence, was more concerning, but thereafter his record included “relatively minor matters”.

The solicitor suggested that the matters could be dealt with combining community payback and restriction of liberty orders.

Sheriff Simon Collins described it as an“unusual and exceptional case”, but a non-custodial option was available. He said a CPO and RLO were“unlikely to be an easy option”.

Supervision would assist Balfour in liaising with the Community Alcohol and Drugs Service (CADS), and he told Balfour:“Supervision is to assist you to stay out of the courts and out of trouble. Ultimately it’s a matter for you.”

He imposed a community payback order comprising two years’ supervision and a restriction of liberty order confining Balfour to his home for three months between the hours of 7pm and 7am seven days a week.