Cumnock knife teen is jailed

Nov 20 2009

A TEENAGER who produced a massive 12-inch knife in front of cops has been jailed.

Paul Bickerton was placed on probation for a similar offence last year.

But the 17-year-old didn’t learn his lesson and was caught with the huge blade on October 17 this year.

Sheriff Carole Cunningham was shown the knife at Ayr Sheriff Court this week.

Depute fiscal Melissa Keel told the court that police were told that Bickerton had the knife at Keir Hardie Hill in Cumnock.

When they confronted him, Bickerton pulled the knife out of his waistband.

He then made off but when police traced him, Bickerton admitted being in possession of the knife and directed them to where he had dumped it.

Defence lawyer Gerry Tierney that his client's behaviour was foolish.

Mr Tierney added: "He didn't intend to brandish the knife. He ran away and panicked but subsequently co-operated with the police.

"It was clearly a very foolish act and he accepts that.

"My own experience of Paul Bickerton is that he is not a particularly streetwise 17-year-old. The report on him indicates that there is still hope he will respond well to guidance and a firm hand."

Sentencing Bickerton, of Keir Hardie Hill, to six months behind bars, Sheriff Cunningham said: "Not withstanding the fact you are a young man, you have already accumulated a considerable number of previous convictions.

"More concerning is that last year, you were before this court for possession of a knife and placed on probation.

"The current offence involving a weapon with a 12 inch blade is very worrying."