A HELENSBURGH man found carrying a kitchen knife in the street has been spared jail after his solicitor argued that he had the item for protection.

Martin Gollogly was found in possession of the knife, which had a four-inch blade, in Old Luss Road on June 17.

The Kirkmichael Road resident appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for sentencing on Friday after pleading guilty at a previous hearing to possession of an offensive weapon.

Fiscal depute Martina McGuigan told Friday's court hearing that police on mobile patrol saw the 34-year-old coming towards them from the direction of Johnston Court at around 6.50pm.

Ms McGuigan said: “When he saw police he lifted his right hand and placed an item into the pocket of his jogging bottoms.

“The accused quickened his pace and continued to walk up Old Luss Road.”

Police caught up with Gollogly, and when they detained him he told them he had a knife in his pocket and said: “I need it for protection. I got done last night.”

Ms McGuigan said it was evident to the officers that Gollogly had fresh injuries to his face.

Gollogly's solicitor, Roddy Boag, said his client had never sought to hide the fact he had a knife from police.

Mr Boag told the court: “There is an explanation, but it's not a reasonable excuse. But it does indicate why he had the item with him.

“His partner was also injured as a result of the incident the night before. She sustained a very serious arm injury. He felt he was under some threat.”

Sheriff William Gallacher pointed out that the “protection” argument was often used by people who went on to use a knife to “catastrophic” effect.

He said: “I never hear people say they've taken a knife out deliberately to cause harm. They always say they have it for protection.”

The sheriff also voiced his “great concern” at an offence in Gollogly's past criminal record which involved the use of a knife.

Sheriff Gallacher told Gollogly: “This country is bedevilled by those who set about arming themselves with a weapon that can cause catastrophic injury.

“That is not the way to ensure your protection. Something will happen where you could find yourself facing a charge of murder.

“You have a limited record, but you have in the past had some recourse to a a weapon.

“ I can just find a way of not sending you to prison but it has to be clear to you and others that this course of action will have serious consequences.”

Gollogly was told to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within ten months as an alternative to custody – and warned that he would be jailed for any failure to comply.