A Stirling man waved a knife while hanging out of the window of a Braehead house.
Steven Morton had pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening behaviour at Abbott Road between December 20 and 21 last year.
The 48-year-old had shouted, swore and uttered threats while brandishing a knife there.
His agent told Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday that Morton was embarrassed at his behaviour which the lawyer described as gross stupidity - and something the court would have serious concerns about.
While the offence could attract a custodial sentence, other options were available like paying a fine and a Restriction of Liberty Order (curfew).
The lawyer pointed out that Morton had no intention of using the knife and the only reason he had it was the window he had been hanging out was beside a sink where there had been variety of kitchen utensils.
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The aggravating factor was the involvement of a neighbour, but the solicitor added that this neighbour had since moved out of the area,
Morton did not have any other matters before the courts. The incident had been “a one-off” and he emphasised that it had been eight years since the accused had been in court on this kind of charge.
He asked Sheriff Charles Lugton to consider non-custodial options including a financial penalty and Restriction of Liberty Order as an alternative to custody.
Noting the submission made by the solicitor, Sheriff Lugton said he could “take a more lenient approach that I otherwise might have done.”
He deferred sentence for six months for good behaviour, telling Morton that if he was able to do that he would impose a financial penalty. Bail was continued meantime.
