Teenager jailed for carrying knife on Union Street

A teenager found armed with a knife in a busy city centre street on a Saturday afternoon has been jailed for 12 months.

Martin McKenzie, 19, was snared with the blade in Glasgow’s Union street in February this year.

Police officers had reason to search the teenager at 12.50pm while he was on licence for another offence.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard a “black handled locking knife” was recovered from McKenzie.

McKenzie, of Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a knife in a public place.

A not guilty plea was accepted for an alleged assault on John Boon by attempting to grab his glasses and attempt to punch his head.

Luke O’Curry, defending, told the court the knife was hidden in a second pair of trousers McKenzie was wearing.

Mr O’Curry also confirmed McKenzie had previous convictions including assault.

Sheriff Paul Crozier said: “You have a shocking and serious record of offending for someone of your age.

“Here you are with a knife, this deadly weapon was in your possession.

“There is no alternative sentence I can impose but detention.”

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