A dad seen carrying a knife at a Hamilton pub told police he armed himself because people were threatening his daughter.
John Paul McCafferty, 50, of Chriss Avenue, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted having an offensive weapon at Doherty’s bar in Castle Street and Hamilton bus station on June 15 last year.
Robbie McDougall, prosecuting, said McCafferty bought a drink shortly after 6pm and took it to an outside seating area.
The fiscal stated: “He came to the attention of bar staff after spilling his drink.
“A member of staff then noticed he was in possession of a knife and he was asked to leave.
“The police were contacted and given a description of the accused. He was seen at the bus station and when officers searched him they found a kitchen knife in the waistband of his trousers.
“The accused freely stated ‘Folk are threatening my daughter. What would you do?'”
Sheriff Louise Gallacher noted McCafferty has previous convictions “but nothing for anything like this”.
She told him: “Given the nature of the offence, I want to know more about your background and circumstances before deciding what the sentence will be.”
The case was adjourned until next month for reports.
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