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Travelled by train to give weapon to social worker
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His solicitor Vincent McGovern told the court his client had been rehomed in a property in Larkhall and had been approached by a wellknown family who had been encouraging him to become involved in criminal activity.
He said his client was being harassed and intimidated by the group, who are wellknown to the police, and had been asked to store weapons in his flat.
Vance agreed to hold the machete in fear of repercussions.
He hadn’t alerted the police to this incident, however, claims he had told his social worker.
He had travelled from Larkhall to Hamilton by bus and then from Hamilton to Wishaw by train with the weapon to hand it over to his social worker.
He thought this was the best way for him to get rid of it.
Vance’s girlfriend was not happy with him doing this and was said to be worried about what was going to happen.
This sparked the argument between the pair.
Vincent McGovern told Sheriff Thomas Millar his client had wanted to move out of Larkhall to escape this family and claimed this is what he was referring to when he was heard talking about going on the run.
He said Vance did not have the machete with him to cause any harm.
Sheriff Bickett told Vance he had no other option but to impose a custodial sentence.
He was ordered to serve 24 months behind bars.