Knife accused escapes jail

[Nwicker60]

Blade was intended for self-harm

A SHERIFF told a knife carrier he was satisfied the blade was intended for self-harm and not for use on any member of the public.
Sheriff Andrew Berry told Craig McBeath, today, that he would otherwise have faced a substantial prison sentence.
McBeath , 27, who appeared from custody, previously admitted on indictment having been in possession of the kitchen knife and breaching a curfew condition.
Wick Sheriff Court was told that police went to the accused’s home in the town, after receiving a call about his self-harming, and discovered that he had gone out. They found blood in the front lobby and traced the accused to Harbour Terrace, Wick, shortly before 9.40pm. McBeath, who had inflicted a deep wound on himself, following a St Valentine’s Day celebration with his partner, was treated at Caithness General Hospital where the knife was discovered. It had been hidden inside his trousers.
The accused, whose address was given as Inverness Prison, was made subject to a three years community payback order, during which he will be under supervision. He will also have to co-operate with any treatment for his drinking, and mental health advice and will be subject to a curfew for the first four months.
The knife was ordered to be forfeit.