More time in custody on knife charge

A MAN who admitted possessing a locking flick knife in a public place without reasonable excuse has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing next month.

Adam Nelson, whose address was given as Grampian Prison, appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to admit the charge, which took place on the town’s Commercial Street on 17 June.

The 28 year old had been in custody since 19 June when he first appeared on the charge.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said Nelson was stopped and searched by police in the afternoon before he voluntarily said he had a knife on him which he had just bought.

The fiscal said the item was a “classic flick knife” with a blade of 9cm that could be described as something used for “concealing as a weapon” as it had no utilitarian value.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client had something of a “fascination” with these type of knives and had a collection of them.

He said the knife was not in any packaging as Nelson had bought it from someone.

Allan said Nelson, a well known face in the court, had been “devastated” about his return to custody as he felt community payback orders he had been on were going well.

Taking into account his past record, Sheriff Philip Mann said the charge was a “very serious offence”.

He added that he himself was “very disappointed” to see Nelson back in the dock.

Sentence was deferred until 13 September to allow a criminal justice social work report to be prepared, with Nelson remanded in the meantime.

Sheriff Mann said it was clear that “jail hasn’t worked” for Nelson and suggested that a community payback order could be in his thinking when sentencing.