Grangemouth chancer claimed he had knuckleduster as 'decoration'

Steven Smith (27), who had been hanging around with the “wrong crowd” and had become addicted to drugs, made the claim after police had stopped his car and a search uncovered the knuckleduster.

He appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, having pled guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in Grahams Road, Falkirk on February 15.

Heather Galbraith, procurator fiscal depute, said: “Police had reason to stop a vehicle which the accused was driving with two passengers. The vehicle was searched and a knuckleduster was found.”

Knuckledusters – or brass knuckles as they are also known – are pieces of metal shaped to fit around the knuckles. They are designed to preserve and concentrate a punch's force by directing it toward a harder and smaller contact area, resulting in increased tissue disruption, including an increased likelihood of fracturing the intended target bones on impact.

Defence solicitor Gordon Addison said: “He was involved with people he is now no longer involved with. The are referred to as the wrong kind of people, the wrong crowd.

“He was addicted to narcotics and, as a result, was hanging around with the wrong crowd. He had the knuckleduster for decorative purposes.”

Sheriff Derek Hamilton took exception at this saying the knuckledusters did not strike him as being something someone would keep as decoration.

He added: “I know people had samurai swords hanging on the walls of their homes – it was very hip the 1970s.”

Mr Addison said Smith was hopeful of getting a job as a takeaway delivery driver.

Sheriff Hamilton said: “You may be a first offender, but you have possession of something such as a knuckleduster I don’t think people should under estimate the physical impact it can have on someone.

“You’re right on the edge of custody here in my view.”

Sheriff Hamilton placed Smith on a restriction of liberty order meaning he will have to stay in his 282 Kersiebank Avenue, Grangemouth home between the hours of 4pm and 4am for a period of four months.

“I want you off the streets for a while,” said Sheriff Hamilton.