Drug addict jailed for a year after pleading to be locked up over offence
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A 23-year-old drug addict asked a sheriff to jail him so he can get the help and support he needs to get his life back on track.
Josh McLaren, of Diriebught Court, Inverness, had admitted possessing a lock-knife in Fairfield Road, Inverness on June 25 last year as well as a long list of previous convictions.
The last couple also involved weapons, namely a knife and an axe which concerned Sheriff David Harvie.
He was also anxious after McLaren's lawyer, Shahid Latif told Inverness Sheriff Court that his client wanted to be imprisoned.
The court heard that two motorists went to assist McLaren who had been stumbling about the road and then fell.
Fiscal depute Emily Hood said: "He was moved to a nearby wall and when they gathered up his belongings, they could see a knife in his backpack."
Mr Latif told the court: "He is estranged from his family whom he has not seen in the last four years since Covid.
"That void has been filled by his use of intoxicants and he suffers from anxiety and depression.
"He has done the best he can with the hand that life has dealt with him and has asked for a period of imprisonment where he can get the help and support he needs.
"It is a sad situation but he indicates that it is the best place for him so when he gets out, he will have nothing outstanding and he can start afresh."
Jailing McLaren for a year, Sheriff Harvie said: "He got eight months for an analogous matter in March last year and that did not reset him.
"Then he has a conviction for theft involving an axe."
Addressing McLaren directly, the sheriff added: "You have acquired quite a record for a man of your age.
"Being under the influence of intoxicants, you are no longer in control. But you are entirely responsible."
