James Thomson, 29, came to the attention of CCTV operators who saw him with what appeared to be a knife.

Thomson, who lives at an address in Braehead, was appearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court to be sentenced for the offence which took place outside the Tourist Information office in Balloch during the early hours of the morning of September 21 last year.

Fiscal depute Isobel Martin, told the court: “The accused was seen at 1.35am by CCTV operators and his description was passed to police.

“He was seen to throw a knife into nearby shrubbery.

“Officers chased him and when they caught him they noticed he was heavily under the influence of alcohol and had suffered a cut to his arm.

“An ambulance was called which took him to hospital for treatment.” The court was also told that the shrubbery was searched for the knife but the police officers were unable to find it because it was dark.

Defence solicitor Kenny Clark informed the court that his client had been the victim of an assault. He added: “He did sustain an arm injury.” Referring to a social work report prepared for the court, Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said: “I tend to treat with cynicism the excuse he has given but I understand there were unusual circumstances.” The sheriff then turned to Thomson and said: “If you follow the news or read the newspapers, anyone who arms themselves with a knife is taking the first step to a murder case at the High Court.

“I realise there are unusual circumstances in this case and I am willing to deal with this by means of a fine.”