A Paisley dad has narrowly avoided jail after being caught with a knife and two knuckle dusters.
Guy Shields was found in the town’s George Street with the offensive weapons on June 13, 2021.
The 29-year-old stated the knife was for work and the knuckle dusters didn’t belong to him.
Shields, of Kilnside Road, claimed he simply forgot to take the knife home before going out for the night which included taking cocaine.
Andrew Morrison, procurator fiscal depute, told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Two witnesses had been in Paisley town centre enjoying an evening socialising.
“Around 10.45pm, they went to get a taxi home when they crossed paths with the accused and he became hostile towards them. Police were made aware of the incident and they viewed CCTV in the area.
“Officers then had reason to stop Shields and searched him. Officers discovered two knuckle dusters and one lockback knife in his backpack. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”
Defence agent Michael McKeown explained Shields “accepted possession” – stating he uses the knife for work and the knuckle dusters weren’t his.
Mr McKeown stated: “He accepts responsibility and knows he shouldn’t have has the knife. He’s a scaffolder and uses the knife daily.
“He had been working that day and didn’t return home before going out. The knuckle dusters were left in his house by a third party and Mr Shields’ partner discovered them.
“She wasn’t happy about them and told him to get rid of them and he put them in his backpack.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Suhkwinder Gill said: “You told social workers preparing the report you had taken a line of cocaine and my point is you took a line of cocaine and are walking around Paisley town centre with a knife and knuckle-dusters in your backpack.
“Given the charges you’ve pled guilty to, the custody threshold has been met. But I’m going to take a step back from that and impose a direct alternative.”
Shields was ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service within 12 months. In addition, Sheriff Gill ordered the father-of-two to remain in his home between 7pm and 7am for six months.
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