A WEE COUNTY man has been detained at a Young Offenders Institute for carrying a meat cleaver in public and threatening his ex-partner's child.

Gavin McDougall, 20, appeared for sentencing in relation to several offences at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, April 4.

He previously pleaded guilty on indictment to causing fear or alarm by sending texts to his ex that contained threats towards her son on November 15, 2017.

He also admitted being in possession of a meat cleaver in a public place, namely Marchglen, Tillicoultry, on the same date.

Both offences were committed whilst he was on bail.

McDougall also faced sentencing for another bail breach on July 18, and for failing to appear in court on November 26 – both offences taking place last year.

In explaining the circumstances of the indictment matters, solicitor Robert Smith said that his client had been asked to leave the home he shared with his partner in Tillicoultry at the time.

The lawyer added: "After being asked he was somewhat agitated, and took some belongings.

"Then on making his way home he sent text messages making various threats towards her 16-year-old son.

"They were empty threats that would never have been carried out."

Sheriff Simon Collins interrupted to challenge that claim, pointing out the threats were made at a time when McDougall was in possession of a weapon.

After putting it to the sheriff that his client has other outstanding court matters pending, Smith asked if sentencing could be further deferred.

However, that submission was given short shrift by Sheriff Collins, who bluntly replied: "I'm not going to do that.

"I have to deal with these matters today, particularly the indictment matter."

Smith then detailed that his client has had drug problems and sometimes uses cannabis.

He added that McDougall suffers from anxiety and hears voices in his head, which prompted another blunt reply from the sheriff, who said: "None of which is assisted by illegal drugs."

Aware that his client could be facing a custodial sentence, Smith then claimed that a social worker had indicated McDougall "wouldn't survive prison".

But sheriff Collins claimed he had a report indicating McDougall was assessed as unsuitable for a community-based disposal, and then stated: "In my view, there is no alternative to custody".

He then sentenced McDougall, of Backwood Court in Clackmannan, to a total of 21 months detention in a Young Offenders Institute for his offences.