Man was arrested after he was spotted carrying knife in Coatbridge park

Police were called to a Coatbridge park after a man was spotted carrying a knife.

Officers arrested Ian Buchanan, who matched the description they had been given, Airdrie Sheriff Court was told.

Buchanan, 33, of Merryston Court, Coatbridge, admitted illegal possession of a blade in West End Park on May 13 last year.

He had been bailed from the same court on separate matters on March 31 and May 4.

The court heard that the popular park includes a children's play area and a skatepark.

Police got an anonymous call about 4.45pm and went to the park immediately.

When officers found Buchanan, he was searched and a serrated kitchen knife was recovered from a pocket in his zipper top.

He gave no explanation for having it.

Sheriff Fergus Thomson deferred sentence on Buchanan, who admitted previous convictions, for a criminal justice social work report and continued bail.

The sheriff told him: "I want the full picture about you and your background."

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