A Paisley man waved a large kitchen knife at mental health workers who had arrived at his home to help him.
Alexander White, 61, made a call to the emergency services on September 4 last year – but when mental health workers attended at his Morar Drive property to assist him, he brandished a knife at them.
White’s actions forced them to seek refuge in their car as they were scared he was going to harm them.
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Procurator fiscal depute Tracy Wright told Paisley Sheriff Court that Elizabeth MacLeod is a psychiatric nurse and William Burns is a senior paramedic. They had started their shift in a mental health vehicle at 4pm on Saturday, September 4, to provide support to members of the community who had contacted the emergency services.
Ms Wright explained: “Around 9.30pm, MacLeod and Burns were made aware of a call to the emergency services by the accused.
“It was noted he was intoxicated and potentially suicidal.
“The witnesses attended at the accused’s property, which was initially in complete darkness.
“The accused allowed entry and it was observed by witnesses he was highly intoxicated.”
The court heard both MacLeod and Burns spoke with the accused and due to how drunk he was nothing could be done, and he was advised to go to bed for the night.
Ms Wright added: “The accused then became agitated and was shouting and swearing.
“He then entered the kitchen and kicked the door of the oven before removing a large kitchen knife from the drawer and brandishing it at the witnesses shouting, ‘I’m going to cut my f*****g wrists.’
“He then approached the witnesses and continued to shout and swear which caused the witnesses to be extremely concerned he would harm them and they left via the front door.
“Witnesses sought refuge in their vehicle and drove to a safe location.
“Police were contacted and the accused was traced around 11.50pm and arrested.”
Defence solicitor Tony Callaghan told the court White has “significant difficulties.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Brian Mohan said: “You’re 61 and only have one previous conviction of a minor breach of the peace, but this was a different level because when people came to help you, you were brandishing a knife towards them.
“Getting yourself into this state and lashing out when people are trying to help you is going to end up with someone getting hurt and you’re going to get yourself into jail.”
Sheriff Mohan placed White under supervision of the social work department for 12 months, with the compulsory requirement that he gets alcohol counselling.
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