Wick sheriff's warning over knives in public
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A sheriff has repeated his concern about the carrying of knives in public.
He told two offenders at Wick Sheriff Court last week: "It can contribute to harm in certain circumstances."
Alexander Fraser (27) and Kieran Dickson (24) were both sentenced to periods of unpaid community work as a direct alternative to prison.
They were stopped by police near the Hilliclay junction on January 19 and two lock knives were recovered, Wick Sheriff Court was told last week.
Fraser, of Burnbraes, Hilliclay, Westerdale, denied the offence – claiming he only used the knife when carrying out repairs to vehicles he serviced.
But his defence was rejected by Sheriff Andrew Berry, who found him guilty. Despite the verdict, Fraser insisted that his excuse for carrying the knife was "reasonable".
Sheriff Berry, who saw background reports on both accused, told Fraser that he might benefit from supervision and unpaid work. He will carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
Dickson, of Stroma Road, Thurso, pleaded guilty and the sheriff noted that he had fewer previous convictions than his co-accused. Dickson will carry out 90 hours of unpaid work.
