A MAN convicted of having a weapon that could cause “catastrophic injuries” has been spared jail and ordered to do unpaid work as punishment.

Craig Burns, 31, of Kendoon Avenue, Drumchapel, was found with a blade in Breval Crescent in Duntocher on December 28, 2019.

He also shouted, swore and threatened residents of a property in nearby Hillend Crescent with violence on the same date.

The charge against Burns described the weapon as a “razor blade”, but at a hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week, Sheriff William Gallacher noted that the weapon had been “deliberately manipulated” in the course of Burns’ employment.

Burns’ solicitor told the June 9 hearing the blade had been used by his client in the course of his work with a cleaning company to clear grime and other substances from window.

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The lawyer said he had tried to confirm with Burns’ employers that this was indeed the case, and told the court the item had been in a rucksack inside his client’s vehicle, and that it had not been in public view – nor had Burns had the item when he made the threats.

Sheriff Gallacher said: “The design of it is something easily capable of being concealed and causing catastrophic injuries.”

The defence solicitor insisted again that Burns had not had the blade on him when he made the threats.

But the sheriff pointed out that Burns had told one of the people in the Hillend Crescent property that he was planning to “slash the f*** out of him”.

Burns, he said, also had previous convictions including use of a knife and causing severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

The procurator fiscal depute present in court said the Crown did not accept the blade was used for work.

Sheriff Gallacher told Burns: “I was seriously concerned about this implement. It could cause horrific injuries.

“You indicate you had a legitimate purpose - I’m not persuaded that I must disbelieve you. The fact you were causing such alarm and the way you were doing it was outrageous.”

Burns was given a community payback order which will see him supervised by social workers for two years.

He must also do 225 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

The order will be reviewed at a hearing on September 14, when a report is also expected to say whether Burns is suitable to take part in a programme run by the Venture Trust.