Man jailed for carrying eight-inch knife in Dumbarton shop

Alexander Gordon, 22, was found to be in possession of a knife on April 17, at a U Save shop, Hawthornhill Road and on Cardross Road, Dumbarton.

Prosecutor Claire Nicholls told Dumbarton Sheriff Court last Tuesday that the offence happened at 6.30pm.

She said: “The accused entered the shop and was seen by both a sales assistant and another customer approaching the till. He appeared to be either on drink or drugs.

“The witness saw another man with him leave the shop without paying for goods.

“She then saw that Gordon had a knife in his hand.

“He was not brandishing it but he did put both witnesses into a a state of fear and alarm. There was also a young child in the shop.”

Gordon, whose address was given as a prisoner of Low Moss Prison, Bishopbriggs, left the shop, the court heard.

Ms Nicholls went on: “Police were called and a description of him was posted.

“He was spotted soon after on Cardross Road where he was found to be in possession of a black handled kitchen knife, which he dropped.

“It was eight and a half inches long with a four and a half inch blade.

“He was taken to Clydebank police office for questioning.”

Defence lawyer Kenny McGowan said: “He concedes that he has a poor record for crimes of this nature. His recollection of events that evening was also poor. He is quite distraught and ashamed when he found out what he had done.

“He cannot explain the possession of the knife. He has a history of mental health difficulties and has been diagnosed with depression.”

The court heard Gordon was convicted twice in 2016 of carrying knives and was only released from prison on February 23, this year.

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said: “You have an alarming number of knife carrying convictions on your record. I will defer sentence for a report, but only to obtain your suitability for a supervised release order.”

Sentence was deferred until July 4. He was remanded in custody.