Teenager locked up after arming himself with knives in Laurieston street fight

The 17-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was stopped by police following the incident and directed officers to where he had disposed of the weapons.

The teen appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday having pleaded guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner in Laurieston on June 15, 2020 by engaging in a fight, shouting, swearing and committing a breach of the peace, while in possession of knives.

Procurator fiscal depute Amy Sneddon said: “Around 11pm police were contacted regarding a disturbance in the street.

“A witness who went outside his home after hearing a commotion heard the accused shouting ‘I’ll put you in a grave’ and commenting that he would ‘plug them’.

“The accused was seen to be holding a knife in each hand. It appeared to the witness there were four males fighting against the accused.

“A further witness was driving along the street at this time and heard voices challenging each other to fight and threats to stab.

“Police arrived and were directed to a nearby street. At the end of the road the accused was stood with his hands in the air and he said, ‘It’s me, the kitchen knives are in there – I threw them in there’ and was indicating to the wooded area at the end of the road.

“The accused was then cautioned and charged and he made no reply. The two knives were recovered.”

The defence solicitor told the court the teenager understood the seriousness of the incident and had one outstanding domestic matter.

The lawyer also invited Sheriff Derek Livingston to consider imposing supervision and unpaid work as an alternative to custody, adding: “He would comply with a restriction of liberty order.

“He wants to have a successful life. He tried a joinery apprenticeship but his mental health wasn’t up to it. He hopes to go back to joinery in order to make something of his life.

“He has no previous convictions as an adult.”

Sheriff Livingston asked: “Is there any explanation for what your client was doing?”

The solicitor said the teen had gone to stay with a relative and received a text from “local youths” who “say they want to fight him”.

The solicitor continued: “He’s outnumbered. I understand they’re armed with bottles and bricks.

“He stupidly, because he’s under the influence of alcohol, takes two knives with him. They came from the house.”

Sheriff Livingston noted the altercation hadn’t happened “suddenly”.

The court heard one of the group of four had swung a stick “a couple of times” at the teenager.

The solicitor added: “He’s at the maximum level of risk. He has difficulties with his mental health that have to be addressed.”

Addressing the culprit, Sheriff Livingston said: “Despite your youth, I don’t consider there’s any alternative to custody.

“You went carrying knives. This was premeditated. It’s fortunate tragedy didn’t occur.”

The teenager was placed in detention for six months.

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