Tooled up and toothless Stenhousemuir angler lands in hot water

An angler who had no teeth left to bite his fishing line fell foul of the law when he was caught carrying a blade in public.
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Anthony Taylor (44) was caught by police in Carronview, Stenhousemuir, with a knife – a Swiss card-style blade which resembles a credit card – in the back pocket of his jogging bottoms.

Officers were sent to the scene at 11.40 pm after a member of the public reported a male lying on the ground.

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Appearing from custody via video link at Falkirk Sheriff Court this week, unemployed Taylor admitted possessing the knife in public on July 10.

Taylor was sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff CourtTaylor was sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Court
Taylor was sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Court

Procurator fiscal depute Ronnie Hay said: “When they arrived they traced the accused, standing against a telephone junction box and observed he was heavily intoxicated.“He was very unsteady, his speech was slurred, his pupils were enlarged, and there was blue staining on his tongue.”

Taylor was detained and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and the knife was found.

The court heard he had a record of relevant previous offences.

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Stephen Biggam, defence solicitor, said: “The explanation he offers is he was asked to go fishing with friends. That's a common pastime for him but he hadn't been in a while.

“They had the gear. One of the issues regarding his fishing is he needs to cut line. Unfortunately he doesn't have any teeth due to past difficulties with drugs. This knife was in the fishing bag to cut line with.

“Afterwards he handed back the bag with the gear and forgot the knife was in his back pocket. He then had far too much to drink, and drink's not his usual disposition.

“He appreciates he should have known better.”

Sheriff Simon Collins QC said: “Given his record and the nature of this offence, a custodial sentence is inevitable.”

Taylor was sent to prison for 16 months.