AN AXE wielding Irvine man who walked the street with his weapon has been jailed.
Michael Gallagher was said to be in the public place for "no more than 30 seconds" but his significant record for similar offence meant there was "no other appropriate disposal".
The 40-year-old appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court earlier this week and pleaded guilty to one charge in relation to the matter.
The incident took place on June 11 this year, just metres from Gallagher's then home on Old Caley Road.
Around 9.40pm that day, police attended the area following reports that "a man named Michael" had been roaming the street with an axe - prosecutor Craig Wainwright told the court.
Officers arrived at the scene and Gallagher was immediately observed looking out from the window of his residence.
He started shouting at police and was described as being "hostile" towards them. It was also stated that he appeared to be heavily intoxicated.
After repeated attempts, cops eventually got Gallagher to attend at the rear door of his property.
When the 40-year-old opened the door, officers immediately saw an axe perched on a nearby window ledge.
Door to door enquiries were later carried out and private CCTV footage was obtained which proved Gallagher had earlier been walking the streets with the weapon before returning to his address.
He was later arrested, cautioned and charged in relation to the matter.
Defending, solicitor John McQuire explained that the incident had taken place on a public footpath "within yards of his own home".
"He was out with his own home for no more than 30 seconds," the lawyer added.
Mr McQuire explained that Gallagher had been drinking alcohol on the day in question, something which - alongside cocaine - he has had a longstanding issue with.
"All of his offending has been committed during periods he has been using alcohol," he added. "In weeks prior to this offence suffered a relapse after period of sobriety.
"He was at a funeral of a close friend and decided to have a drink which ultimately led to this offence.
"Prior he was self-employed for period of more than a year as a freelance marketing consultant. There are periods he has been able to show himself as valuable member of society."
Mr McQuire added that Gallagher - who is now described as a prisoner at HMP Low Moss - had been attending alcoholics anonymous whilst within prison.
He stated that the 40-year-old intends to go to recovery groups upon his release and remain abstinent from alcohol.
Though the lawyer conceded that a custodial sentence was inevitable due to Gallagher's record of previous convictions.
This was something which was raised by Sheriff Murdoch Mactaggart when passing his disposal.
He commented: “You have a number of convictions for possession of weapons and weapons feature as a modifier in a number of your offences.
“Given the circumstances of this offence and your record there is no appropriate disposal available other than custody.”
Gallagher was then sentenced to spend a period of 12 months in prison which was backdated to his initial remand on June 12 this year.
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