Sentence deferred for carrying eight-inch knife

A man who admitted carrying an eight-inch blade in Campbeltown has had his sentence deferred. James Deavy, 29, of 7 Glenside, Campbeltown, appeared at Campbeltown Sheriff Court on indictment, charged with having a knife without reasonable excuse or lawful authority at Glenside, Mill Street and other public places on April 23. Procurator fiscal depute Eoin McGinty told the court that Deavy, who has a record of previous convictions, had been drinking with his partner when she decided she needed police assistance. Deavy, who committed the offence while on bail, dialled 999 and allowed his partner to speak to officers, before going into the kitchen, getting the knife, and leaving the flat. When police found Deavy outside, he had the blade concealed in his trouser leg but dropped it to the ground. Defence agent Mr Buchanan said that there was a ‘relatively serious background’ to the matter. He said there had been an argument to do with buying more alcohol. Mr Buchanan added: ‘Since that time he has been making efforts to improve his situation and has found employment.’ Deferring sentence until January 10 for reports, Sheriff Patrick Hughes said: ‘Any carrying of a knife in a public place for whatever reason is very serious. ‘You could justifiably get a custodial sentence today but I am satisfied that you should remain on bail.’ New bail conditions prohibit Deavy from entering any licensed premises. Sheriff Hughes added: ‘I cannot stress this enough – prison is a very likely outcome and you must be on your very best behaviour to avoid that.’