News / Supervision for brandishing knives
A MAN from Sandwick who brandished two knives after an argument with a neighbour has been placed under supervision for one year.
John Gair, of Central Park, previously admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at his home address on 16 May.
Lerwick Sheriff Court previously heard from procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie that the incident stemmed from a “spontaneous dispute between neighbours”.
The complainer first approached the 44 year old in a “fairly robust manner” about noise coming from his home.
After an altercation, Gair went into his house and armed himself with two knives before brandishing them in his garden.
The situation then ended and both neighbours went back into their homes.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said the source of the neighbour’s frustration had been noise coming from Gair’s home.
At the court on Wednesday, the solicitor said that his client now appreciates that he had too much to drink.
Sheriff Philip Mann said that “brandishing any sort of weapon is a very serious offence” as there is a “very high risk” that the items might be used – even if that wasn’t the initial intention.
The sheriff noted Gair’s lack of previous offending and the fact that he had never been in custody before and placed him on a community payback order.
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.