Co-op staff in Nairn alarmed as Ardersier teen had knife
Staff at a Nairn supermarket were alarmed when a knife dropped out of a customer's clothing as he bent down to grab a plastic bag.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 19-year-old Ossian MacLellan, of Stuart Avenue, Ardersier picked the blade up and placed it up his sleeve before leaving.
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Fiscal depute Sophie Marshall told Sheriff Robert Frazer: "He apologised to staff saying: 'I have to protect myself.' Police were informed and he was found with a group of youths.
"He then made off on foot after being approached by the police but he was later arrested."
MacLellan previously admitted possessing a knife in a public place, namely the Co-op in the town's High Street on April 20 last year and sentence was deferred for a background report.
MacLellan appeared before Sheriff Neil Wilson for sentencing who was told by defence agent Willie Young: "There was a period when he was associating with negative peer influences.
“When he attempted to disassociate himself from them he was subjected to a variety of threats. He then made a foolish decision."
Ordering MacLellan to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work, the sheriff told him: "This is your second similar offence. But I am going to give you a chance."
