News / Supervision order after brandishing bread knife
A MAN from Unst who caused alarm in Levenwick last year by brandishing a bread knife has been placed under supervision.
Gordon McBurnie, of Nikkavord Lea, Baltasound, previously admitted possessing the knife without reasonable excuse at Staneybrake, Levenwick on 11 June.
He also behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting, swearing and brandishing the knife at the same location that day.
The court previously heard that the 47 year old was seen by locals waving a knife around at 5am, which resulted in people telling each other to lock their doors, and his behaviour continued for around five hours before the police were called.
It was said that McBurnie’s behaviour was possibly the result of mixing alcohol with medication.
McBurnie’s sentence had been deferred for him to be of good behaviour and Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday that he had acted as required since his last appearance.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client had been going through a relationship breakdown and had a problem with medication for pain and his mental health.
The incident was “deeply troubling” for McBurnie and he was hospitalised as a result.
Allan said his client is now receiving less medication for depression and anxiety, adding that he has put the incident behind him.
Sheriff Philip Mann noted McBurnie’s mental health and as an alternative to a custodial sentence, placed him under supervision for nine months.
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