News / Survivalist had sheath knife
SENTENCE on a Shetland man with a “fascination for survival-type weapons” was deferred for a month on Wednesday after he pled guilty to possessing a sheath knife in November last year.
Darren Lawson, of 2 Mill Lane, Lerwick, had pled guilty to charges of stealing £2,000 worth of electricity over a two-year period, as well as being in possession of heroin, a Class A drug, and cannabis, a Class B drug, at an earlier court hearing.
Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said his client was a survivalist who had spent the last night in a tent in Bressay, and was “genuine” in his love for the outdoors.
The 38 year old was arrested when he disembarked the ferry from Orkney on 5 November after police had carried out a search warrant two days earlier where traces of heroin and cannabis were found at his home address.
When he was searched at Lerwick police station the large sheath knife was found in his rucksack.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said there was no suggestion that Lawson intended to use the knife.
Allan said his client accepted now that it was not reasonable to have the knife in a public place.
The court also heard that Lawson was paying back the stolen electricity at a rate of £6 per week.
Sheriff Philip Mann said he was not ruling out a custodial sentence, but wanted to hear first from social workers if Lawson was fit to carry out unpaid work.
He is due to re-appear in court on 29 May. The sheath knife was forfeited.
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