Cops quickly deal with flick knife danger

Stephen Rooney (25) and Kieran Walker (22) both took turns holding the blade during the late night encounter.

Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, Rooney and Walker both pled guilty to possessing a knife in Princes Street and Park Street, Falkirk on April 17 last year.

Gavin Whyte, procurator fiscal depute, said: “It was 11.15pm and the two witnesses went to Sportsters and were eating some food outside when two males approached and began asking questions.

“Rooney was becoming increasingly aggressive and was trying to encourage the two witnesses to fight. The witnesses walked to the corner of Park Street and Rooney held out a flick knife and proceeded to wave it about.

“The witnesses had to go out onto the road to get away from Rooney.”

Police officers on patrol were quickly on the scene and found Walker, not Rooney, in possession of the knife.

Mr Whyte said: “He was standing alone next to a parked car, holding a flick knife, repeatedly flicking the blade in and out. Police told him to drop the knife and officers had to take hold of his wrist to make him drop it.”

Rooney was also quickly traced and detained.

Martin Morrow, representing Rooney, said: “He has limited recollection of events. He says he had a fallout with some people.”

Representing first offender Walker, solicitor Simon Hutchison said: “Clearly he is a young man who isn’t used to being in these surroundings and involved in this sort of thing.

“He had been out celebrating his 22nd birthday.”

Sheriff Linda Smith jailed Rooney, 23 Garry Place, Hallglen, for 14 months and placed him on supervision for nine months upon his release. Walker, 64 Nevis Place, Hallglen, was told to complete 240 hours of unpaid work within six months.