An East Kilbride man caught with an illegal pepper spray has been fined more than £1800.
Paul Drew admitted possession of the incapacitating substance - a prohibited weapon.
However, he was cleared of spraying it at a man and a woman.
Drew, 36, of Whinfell Drive, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
The canister of spray was recovered by police after an incident in St Lawrence Park, East Kilbride, in October 2020.
Drew was accused of spraying it on Robert Tamborini's head and face, causing injury, and also at Emily Campbell.
However, his not guilty pleas to those charges were accepted.
Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, said Drew made no comment when police charged him with an offence under the Firearms Act.
He spent 11 days in custody after his arrest before being granted bail.
The court heard that he told police he had found the spray.
Defence agent Laura Kiernan said Drew has been on a curfew for two years awaiting the case and there have been no issues.
She added: "I submit that this matter can be dealt with by way of a community-based sentence.
"He is in full time employment and would certainly be able to pay a financial penalty."
Sheriff John Speir noted that Drew has previous convictions but acknowledged that he is assessed as being at low risk of re-offending.
The sheriff told him a significant fine was "the most appropriate disposal to reflect the fact that you have committed a serious offence".
Drew was fined £1875, payable at £150 per month.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did yo u know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
