A WOMAN pulled out a hammer from her bag in the middle of a social gathering.

Arlene Mowat was in a property in Glasgow on February 26 this year when she produced the offensive weapon in front of others.

The 41-year-old, from Maryhill, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to the offence.

Prosecutor Lesley Chambers said: “Witnesses were within the address along with the accused.

“She was only known to the homeowner through friends of friends.

“Within the home, she produced a hammer and said she carried it for her own protection. She then left the address to attend somewhere else.

“The homeowner locked the door as they didn’t want the accused to return.”

Around two hours later, Mowat returned and was knocking on the front door. The homeowner said they didn’t want to let her in and contacted police.

Glasgow Times:

Ms Chambers added: “Upon officers arriving, the accused had left and made her way towards Great Western Road.

“Officers remained at the address whilst other officers carried out an area search for her. Police traced the accused nearby and spoke with her.

“She clearly stated that she had a hammer in her bag. A search was carried out and the hammer was located. She was cautioned and charged.”

Mowat’s lawyer said his client is trying to address underlying addiction issues.

He added: “Carrying an offensive weapon is a criminal offence regardless of what issues she may have. She suffered from a lot of bullying within the community. She is willing to comply with a restriction of liberty order.”

Sheriff Allan Findlay ordered her to stay within her home address between 7pm-7am every day for four months, except for Wednesdays and Fridays, when it will be 9pm-7am, for childcare reasons.