A DALMUIR man who went to the door of a neighbour armed with a knife has been jailed for 18 months.

Robert Hill, 31, became involved in an altercation with a neighbour on the landing on the 11th floor of Overtoun Court in Clydebank on June 3 last year.

Hill was appearing back at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to an amended charge of possession of a knife without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

The court heard that Hill, who lives at and address in Burnside Court, had previous convictions for knife offences and had spent time in prison.

Defence solicitor Phil Lafferty said in mitigation: "He and his family had been in temporary accommodation having been decanted. There was a problem with the neighbours and he went to the door to remonstrate with the neighbour. This taken against the background of Mr Hill's previous convictions gives the impression that there was potential for the use of the weapon."

The solicitor highlighted that the convictions were a considerable time ago, and that his client was a father and now a more mature individual than when the previous offending took place. He submitted that a non-custodial disposal may benefit Hill.

He continued: "He got custody for his very first conviction and for his second. There is no evidence of failed interventions by the court. Mr Hill has not had the benefit or the opportunity of a court imposed period of supervision within the community. There is clearly a scope for intervention by the court. A community payback order would be in the long run a more positive disposal by the court."

Sheriff William Gallacher decided against a non-custodial disposal and jailed Hill.

He said: "The legislation on knives is made to be preventative. This community is affected quite considerably by theses types of crimes. In your case I can accept that you were under pressure but in that situation you armed yourself. I do not accept that I can deal with this matter other than by means of a prison term. I have no option but to impose on you a custodial sentence."

Sheriff Gallacher reduced the jail term from 20 months but ordered that Hill also be supervised for a further nine months on his release from prison, adding: "If you reoffend in that time you will be sent back to prison."