A TEENAGER who was caught with a knife in the street explained that he was using it to prepare drugs.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday.

He previously pleaded guilty to carrying the weapon in a public place on December 18, 2019.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “Police witnesses in Castlemilk had cause to speak to the accused.

“A search was conducted and in his right jacket pocket there was a large silver folding knife found, which had a three-inch blade.

“The accused was cautioned and conveyed to Cathcart police station.”

Glasgow Times:

The teenager’s solicitor said his client was a first offender.

He added: “The report provides an explanation as to why he had the knife. He was assisting in preparation of illicit drugs and was using the knife to cut the top of a bottle.

“He is making efforts to provide himself with some training in order to get employment. He had been taking drugs at the time but is now making efforts to abstain."

The solicitor invited the court to defer sentence.

Sheriff Paul Brown told the boy: “What I will do is see, if at your young age, you can put this behind you.

“Could this be a one off or could this be the beginning of further offending?

“I will defer sentence for you to come back before me in three months’ time. You will have social workers supporting you and you will need to turn up to the appointments.

“I’ll ask for an up-to-date report for you coming back, and I will see if you’re focusing on your training. At your age there is potential to move away from this.”

A review was set for August.