A HAPLESS Saltcoats man caught carrying a knife claims he had the weapon to fix his ‘ramshackle bike’

Brian McQueen was cycling along New Street in Stevenston on September 3 this year when police recognised him for another court matter.

When they stopped the 32-year-old he immediately put his hands in his pockets and after searching him they found a small pairing knife.

Fiscal depute Vicky McMillan told Kilmarnock Sheriff Court: “The accused attempted to put his hands in his pockets and so he was advised he was going to be searched. Officers found a two-and-a-half inch pairing knife in his trouser pocket.”

But defending McQueen of Gladstone Street, Saltcoats, Colin McLaughlin told the court his client only carried the knife to fix his rusty old bike.

He said: “With regard to the knife, police statements and evidence show that the bike was a ramshackle thing with faulty brakes. He had been given the use of it. The knife in question, he uses it for the bike to fix it and get the bike usable.”

The case was adjourned for reports. McQueen was bailed to return to court on October 22.