Drunk jailed after brandishing knife in supermarket

A yob who took a knife out of his top in a Coatbridge supermarket was subsequently caught with another bladed weapon just two weeks later.

James Fisher, 20, was jailed for two years at Airdrie Sheriff Court last week.

Fisher, an inmate at a young offenders’ institution, admitted unlawful possession of a knife at Tesco Express on Bank Street, Coatbridge, on October 22 last year.

He also admitted possessing an offensive weapon – a toothbrush with a blade melted into the handle – on Bell Street, Airdrie, on November 5.

Lauren Cole, prosecuting, said that Tesco staff noticed Fisher in the store at about 5pm.

She told the court:“he was heavily intoxicated.

“He placed his hand inside his top and brought out a large knife.

“One of the witnesses retreated but Fisher then staggered out of the store and the employees contacted the police.

“The second incident related to homeless accommodation in Airdrie.

“A staff member there had cause to contact the police who attended and traced Fisher.

“He was searched and a makeshift weapon was found.”

Defence agent Elspeth Forrest said that Fisher has been drug-free while in custody awaiting the court case.

She suggested that he could be supervised by social workers under a community payback order as an alternative to further time in custody.

Mrs Forrest added:“if progress is to be made with this young man, he needs to engage with the support that would be available to him in the community.”

Passing sentence, Sheriff Petra Collins said Fisher had only two previous convictions but both were knife-related.

She told Fisher:“you have reached the stage where there is no alternative to a period of detention”

The sentence was reduced from 32 months to 24 because of his guilty pleas.

We was intoxicated. He placed his hand in his top and brought out a large knife. He then staggered out the store and staff contacted the police