A MAN who was caught carrying an air rifle in the grounds of Vale of Leven Hospital has been jailed. Rosshead man John Scott, 36, also had several dogs and told police he was hunting for rabbits.

Officers had been called out after reports two men were spotted outside the hospital - one carrying a gun.

Scott, who is currently serving a 16-month sentence for drugs offences, appeared from custody and admitted the offence which took place on February 25 last year.

The procurator fiscal said: "Staff at the hospital were alerted to two men in the grounds of the hospital.

"They saw two males in camouflage clothing, one of whom was holding a torch and other, the accused, carrying what appeared to be a rifle.

"Staff contacted the police"

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard police arrived at the scene and saw two men wearing camouflage clothing.

Scott was also seen carrying the rifle and was asked by police to open it, while they were interviewed.

The men also had several Lurcher dogs with them in the hospital grounds, but the court heard had no ammunition inside at the time.

Scott pleaded guilty to trespassing without reasonable excuse in the grounds of Vale of Leven Hospital, Alexandria and possessing a firearm in contravention of the Firearms Act 1968.

Police asked what they were doing and they said they were hunting for rabbits, they were also told the gun belonged to his accomplice who was not named.

Scott's lawyer said: "The police seem to accept that they were there hunting for rabbits and dead rabbits were also found nearby."

He also argued the offence was in the "lower scale of offences" and argued that his client should be given a consecutive sentence following on from the one he was serving.

Sheriff Simon Pender sentenced Scott, of Colquhoun Drive, to five months in prison.

He said: "I take account of the fact that you have pleaded guilty, but I also have to take account of your previous convictions."