A "paranoid" man was found by police in Glasgow in possession of a five-inch knife. 

Ryan Waddell, 23, had been observed bent down, leaning above a rucksack, during an incident on March 4, 2022. 

A short time later at 4.30pm, officers had reason to stop and search him on Primrose Street.

They found a five-inch black knife with a rope handle in the rucksack.

He was cautioned and charged, to which he replied “It is not mine, I am holding it for someone else”.

Waddell, from Clydebank, appeared in Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday, August 2, where he pleaded guilty to being in possession of a knife.

Sheriff Patricia Pryce said: "It is concerning he was feeling paranoid at the time and choose to carry a knife.

"Unpaid work is not an option here. This is a matter which obviously meets the custody threshold."

Waddell's lawyer said: "He is not taking drugs currently. Alcohol remains an issue for him."

"He knows better than anyone what happens if he fails to comply. He was given a custodial sentence from Dumbarton Sheriff Court. Unpaid work is taking a gamble, but the gamble is all on him. He knows what the consequences will be given his past experience. "

Sheriff Pryce added: "The reality is if he felt threatened what would have happened? Is he doing anything to sort out his alcohol issues?"

The lawyer replied: "He’s got a long way to go."

Before sentencing Waddell, the sheriff said: "I’m not convinced if I give you a community-based disposal you’ll comply with it, but I will give you one final chance."

He was sentenced to 12 months of supervision with a conduct requirement to engage with alcohol addiction services and 140 hours of unpaid work, as a direct alternative to custody. 

The sheriff said: "If you breach this order, I will send you to jail."