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Teen's excuse for carrying knife in handbag was 'nonsense', says sheriff at Wick Sheriff Court


By Ali Morrison

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A teenager whose excuse for carrying a knife in public was that she was using it to do some dental work on her teeth, escaped detention at Wick Sheriff Court on Monday.

Mikella Gray appeared to disagree with Sheriff Andrew Berry after he imposed a restriction of liberty order on her.

He told her: “You are shaking your head Miss Gray… I am happy to revisit the sentence and impose custody.”

The 19-year-old previously admitted possession of the kitchen knife in Huddart Street, Wick, where she lives, on July 13.

Sheriff Andrew Berry warned the teenager not to interfere with the tag.
Sheriff Andrew Berry warned the teenager not to interfere with the tag.

The court was told that she came to the attention of the police around 7.30am as she appeared to be “under the influence of something”. The kitchen knife was discovered in her handbag.

Officers were concerned about Gray’s welfare and took her to hospital for a check-up.

She failed to appear for an earlier hearing and a warrant was issued for her arrest, although she subsequently turned herself in.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Gray was endeavouring to distance herself from the local drugs scene and added: “She is trying to turn her life around but has issues she requires to address.”

Sheriff Berry described Gray’s excuse for having the knife as “nonsense” – she was trying to put a dental implant back in place – and warned her that such an offence usually warranted a custodial sentence.

The sheriff warned the accused, who will wear an ankle tag for four months: “If you interfere with it you will be brought back to court and it is highly likely you will find yourself in custody. I don’t expect to see you back here for a breach of the order or any further offending.”


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