Thug arrested with blade in Paisley bar given last chance by sheriff

A Renfrewshire thug has avoided a prison sentence after being arrested with a large knife in his waistband at a Paisley pub.

Steven Hoolihan was caught out after a member of the public anonymously called Police Scotland, saying they had spotted Hoolihan in New Street in Paisley with the 12-inch blade on February 16 last year.

The 26-year-old man then went to the Hashtag Bar where the police arrested him. Hoolihan, of Midton Road in Howwood, then verbally abused the officers, making threats and a racist remark.

The thug was subject to a bail order issued just over a month before the offence.

Deputy Procurator Fiscal Michael Cunningham previously told Paisley Sheriff Court: “At around 9.15pm Police Scotland received an anonymous call that there was a man outside the Hashtag Bar in Paisley with a knife concealed in his waistband.

“The caller said he saw the defendant lift his top and observed a large knife under his t-shirt and down the front of his pants, then walk towards the bar.

“Officers Panther and Stewart, as well as several other police units, were mobilized to intervene.

“Officers immediately attended the bar, informed the bar manager of the report and identified the accused based on the description given by the caller.

“Hoolihan was then stopped for a search with Officer Panther who recovered a large black handled object, approximately 30cm long, from Hoolihan’s belt. The accused was handcuffed and placed in a police car.

“While placed inside the vehicle, the accused made several threats to the officers, stating: ‘I will kill you the next time I see you. Next time I see you, you’ll fucking understand.

“As a result of his behavior the accused was transferred to a marked police van and during this time he continued to behave aggressively towards the officers. While in the van, before the door closed, the accused looked towards PC Panther and shouted “you black bastard”.

“He was then taken to Greenock Police Station and on the way he continued his hostile behavior and made several abusive and degrading comments towards the officers.

“Due to Hoolihan’s hostile and volatile behavior, he was not formally warned or charged. He was later released on a promise to appear before this court. »

Hoolihan admitted being in possession of the knife and shouting, swearing, making a racial remark, making threats and behaving aggressively.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge that he assaulted PC Panther by attempting to kick him in the head. This plea was accepted by the Crown.

Defence agent Mr Allan told the court Hoolihan was already subject to community discharge following a conviction at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Millar imposed a “direct alternative to detention” and ordered Hoolihan to carry out 120 hours of community service within 12 months and placed him under supervision for 18 months.

A conduct requirement was also imposed as part of his supervision order, which requires him to live with his grandmother.

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