Inverness man had weapon for ‘own protection’
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A mobile police patrol intervened when a 43-year-old man was seen to be standing on the road and shouting incoherent comments at their vehicle.
The incident occurred at 11pm on December 29, 2021 in Lochalsh Road and officers decided to search James Wilson, of Union Street, Inverness for drugs.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told that none were found but a throwing dart, wrapped tightly in cellophane was discovered in one of his pockets.
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Sheriff Gary Aitken was told that Wilson, who will move to a property in Kirkhill when he is released from remand, told officers: "I have it for my own protection.
"I was jumped outside my home address a few days ago. That's why I am carrying it."
Wilson admitted possessing an offensive weapon.
Defence solicitor advocate Clare Russell said: "He was in homeless accommodation at the time of this offence and has been out of trouble since.
"He has got his life back on track and removed himself from a negative peer group so I don't see the need for a drug treatment and testing assessment. He was only an occasional cocaine user."
Wilson was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work and remain under social work supervision for a year.
