Greenock man stopped near Irvine Beach with knuckleduster

Scott Quartieri previously pleaded guilty to having the offensive weapon on June 20 last year at the town's Montgomery Street.

The incident happened a month after teenager Kayden Moy died at the beach - though the two incidents are not connected.

Police were on patrol and saw the 20-year-old, of Grieve Road, Greenock, walking in the direction of the beach.

Quartieri made an attempt to hide his bag under his top and was stopped for a search.

Police found a silver knuckleduster. He "stated it was for his own protection", heard Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.

At a sentencing hearing, defence solicitor Lauryn Fulton said the court would be concerned that her client was previously caught with a knife.

She said he completed the "No Knives, Better Lives" programme.

But on June 20, 2025, he and his friends planned to go to Irvine Beach.

"At this time of year, large groups of youths go to the beach and it results in violence," said the solicitor.

"He took it as protection. That's still no excuse.

"He complied fully with police. There's room here for much-needed intervention.

"I would say he has learned his lesson. I don't believe it's too late to make something of his life."

She added: "It doesn't look great, this is the second [offence] of a similar nature."

Sheriff Shirley Foran put him under the supervision of social workers for 12 months. He must do 90 hours of unpaid work within the next six months.

It is a direct alternative to detention.