Boozed-up thug opened door to cops with a blade

An East Renfrewshire thug who answered the door to cops with a knife in the waistband of his shorts has avoided a jail term.

- EMYLIE HOWIE

Boozed-up John Ward threatened police and then brandished the blade at his former property in Barrhead’s Kelburn Street.

Officers were tasked to attend the 32-year-old’s home due to an ongoing disturbance on July 23, 2021, when Ward opened the door and turned aggressive.

The procurator fiscal depute told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 10.55pm, police constables Thorpe and Johnston were on uniform mobile patrol when they received a call via their police issue airwave to attend an ongoing disturbance at Kelburn Street.

“Upon arrival, a disturbance could be heard from within.

“The officers then knocked the door and identified themselves.

“At this point, the accused opened the door shouting at police phrases such as, ‘f**k off away from my door or you're getting it’

“It appeared the accused was under the influence of alcohol at the time.