Knife fine for West Lothian man

Jan 28 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A MAN who admitted carrying a knife in a public place has been fined.

John McCabe stormed out of his former partner’s house carrying the four-inch blade after an argument about ending their relationship in the early hours of December 20 last year.

The 31-year-old told his ex he was going to confront her brother, whom he had fallen out with recently.

Fiscal depute Victoria Greening told Livingston Sheriff Court: “She phoned the police to let them know he was on his way round to her brother’s house and said she was worried for him. She also stated that he may be in possession of a knife.

“However, in a matter of minutes he came back to her home.”

Police officers attended her Livingston address and the father-of-one admitted to taking the kitchen knife outside with him.

McCabe, previously of Livingston but now of Easterhouse in Glasgow, pled guilty to having a knife in a public place.

His solicitor, Charlie Morrison, told the court his client was a first offender.

Mr Morrison added: “This was the last day of the relationship. He wished it to continue but she insisted it was over.

“He was under the influence of alcohol and they had an argument.

“During the argument he learned that the brother had bought items in his name so there was debt there.

“He stormed out of the house with the knife and he got to the end of the street before he realised it was the wrong thing to do.”

Fining McCabe £200 for the offence, Sheriff Alan Millar said: “The reason the courts are so concerned with knife crime is it is tragically all too easy to find yourself using a knife.

“You may not plan to use it but when there has been alcohol consumed and an argument breaks out before you know it you have used it and there is someone lying bleeding on the ground.

“It is your first offence and you came to your senses pretty quickly and maybe you have had time to reflect on your behaviour and that it is all too easy to jump off the deep end without thinking.”