AN elderly man aggressively wielded a knife towards his spouse because he blamed her for spreading rumours that he was a paedophile.

James Sinclair, 72, behaved in a threatening or abusive manner whilst holding a knife at an address in Saltcoats on February 8.

Sinclair, of Princes Street Hostel in Ardrossan, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week and pled guilty to one charge.

The court heard that just before 11pm, the witness was watching TV when Sinclair arrived home in a bad mood.

He said someone had been spreading rumours about him on Facebook about him being a paedophile and that he blamed her.

The woman denied spreading rumours.

Sinclair then went for a short nap.

On waking up, he left the room for a short period, then returned with a brown handled steak knife.

The 72-year-old was ranting and raving at his wife, blaming her for him being called “such a thing”.

The woman contacted the police the next day Sinclair admitted to officers about having come home after drinking and being in possession of a knife in the bedroom area.

Representing Sinclair, solicitor Gordon Ghee said that his client had heard something at the bar that night and that “he was very angry and distressed at this”.

Mr Ghee added: “He had been at the Labour Club.

“He had been drinking and I’m afraid all rationality went out the window.

“He knows this would have upset the complainer.

“I’m told there will be a continuation of the relationship.”

Mr Ghee continued: “At the moment he’s undergoing treatment for cancer.

“He should be diverting his attention to that rather than taking out his anger. He doesn’t know the prognosis.

“I would normally call for reports but given his age and his health I think I may ask his Lord to consider a financial penalty.”

Sheriff Alistair Watson condemned Sinclair’s behaviour “when a woman’s at home and should feel safe”.

He added: “You’ve not got an enormous record, but you do have a record.

“Standing your present health and age I’m willing to put this behind you.

“But regardless of your age, regardless of your health, you do that again and come back to my court you go to jail.”

Sinclair was fined £450 by the court.