A FORMER Springside woman who ran across her street in blood-soaked clothing while holding a machete has been jailed.
Margaret Vennard was ordered to spend 28 months behind bars after she pleaded guilty to a pair of charges at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.
The 40-year-old admitted having a bladed article with her whilst within a public place - as well as a failure to attend court proceedings in relation to the matter on January 27 this year.
A warrant for her arrest was granted at the time and Vennard has been behind bars since this was executed on February 4.
The initial incident took place at around 6.30pm on July 13 last year at Croft Terrace in Springside, prosecutor Craig Wainwright told the court.
At this time, two witnesses had been within a property on the street when they heard noises coming from outside.
They looked out and saw Vennard, who is currently being held in HMP Greenock, running along with blood on her clothing.
It was noted that she was holding a large "machete-style" knife which she tried to hand to an unknown male.
The court was told that this man was engaged in a "disturbance" at this time.
The weapon was not taken and Vennard then walked back to her own property and retreated inside.
Police later attended and were directed to her home. Officers were granted entry by the former Springside woman who was described as appearing "heavily intoxicated".
The blade, which was described as being 10 inches long, was seen lying at her feet.
Vennard was then arrested and made no reply when cautioned and charged.
Defending, solicitor Colin McLaughlin highlighted that two other outstanding matters were due to call for sentencing.
Vennard had submitted guilty pleas in relation to a breach of bail condition in November last year and the assault of a police constable during an earlier appearance in the dock.
She also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner during an incident on February 3 this year.
Sentence had been deferred to call alongside the matter heard in court this week.
Mr McLaughlin said that these matters had all unfolded after previous issued with drugs misuse had "reared its head again".
The lawyer then stated that Vennard was "anxious to have a clean slate".
He added: "She is hoping for a fresh start upon her release and to move in the right direction."
Sheriff David Hall commented: “You have a bad record and there is no alternative to a custodial sentence in this case.”
Vennard was ordered to spend 28 months in prison on all charges, with this backdated to her initial remand on February 4 this year.
Share