A TEENAGER from Kilbirnie downed a cocktail of drinks before terrifying his family with a knife and a pair of scissors.

Nineteen-year-old Andy McFarlane, currently residing in Greenside Avenue, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive way at Baillieston, Kilbirnie on January 25.

The charge revealed he shouted, swore and acted in an aggressive manner as well as uttered offensive and threatening remarks.

He also brandished a blade and pair of scissors and then stabbed a wall with the knife, during the fracas.

When McFarlane returned to court for sentencing last week [Monday, March 26], the sheriff heard the teenager had been in employment all his young life and felt deep remorse for upsetting his family.

Defence solicitor Peter Murray told the court his client was single, had been fully employed since school, and was earning a £350 per week.

He was currently residing at his gran’s following the incident.

The solicitor added: “It begs the question why would he behave in this manner?”

Mr Murray told the court his client had “taken a cocktail of drink’ and behaved “terribly, frankly”.

He said the incident was terrifying for his siblings and he was “embarrassed” by it.

It appeared to be an isolated incident as he had never been in trouble before.

Sheriff Shirley Foran questioned whether McFarlane had spoken to his mum after the incident.

He replied: “Occasionally.”

She then asked: “Did you apologise?”

He replied: “I have indeed.”

Sheriff Foran told McFarlane he had got into “a lot of trouble” and the offence was a serious matter– but she also highlighted his remorse and youth.

She added: “There are so many positives in your life. Don’t be back.”

Sheriff Foran deferred his sentence for nine months for McFarlane to be of good behaviour.