News / Sent to prison for brandishing a knife
A MAN has been sentenced to eight months in prison for brandishing a knife and possessing diazepam whilst celebrating his last night in Shetland.
Forty two year old Paul Macklin, of Moir Drive in Aberdeen, behaved “aggressively” at an address in Lerwick on 16 May while drunk, using a knife to “smash” a mobile phone.
After the alert was raised, police later found Macklin to be in possession of the class C drug diazepam.
Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday that he was due to leave Shetland the next day and friends wanted to provide a “send-off” for him.
After visiting some pubs, Macklin and his friends attended the address in town, with a large quantity of spirits later turning the man’s behaviour sour.
The man brandished a knife before using it to damage a mobile phone. He also threw items.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said that his client had “no recollection” of the incident.
Sheriff Philip Mann concluded that Macklin was a “danger to the public – at least when under the influence” of drink.
He warned the man that “innocent bystanders could have been injured”, adding that the case was especially serious because it involved a knife.
Mann sent Macklin behind bars for eight months.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.