Man carrying knives chased gang who broke his jaw

Published 5 May 2010 11:10

A TILLICOULTRY man who chased a group of teenagers with giant knives after they had beaten him up and broken his jaw has been given a four-month restriction of liberty order.

On Thursday at Alloa Sheriff Court, Richard Beresford (37), of Fir Park, appeared on indictment and admitted a breach of the peace charge that included brandishing two knives and chasing members of the public, placing them in a state of fear and alarm on 14 February. He further admitted having two knives in a public place.

The court was told by fiscal depute Jim Graham that a group of young men and women were on Fir Park at 10.30pm when the accused was seen stumbling along and shouting at them.

Beresford was seen going into his house and he returned soon after with two long knives that the group thought were samurai swords.

Mr Graham said that Beresford then shouted, "you think you're a gangster, I'm a gangster" before chasing the group up the street.

After being outrun Beresford turned to a witness in the street and said, "Do you want it?"

The police turned up shortly afterwards and arrested Beresford. He has been held in custody at Barlinnie since 22 February in relation to the incident.

Defence counsel George Higgins said his client had been going home when a group of 20 teenagers set about him and broke his jaw.

He continued, "Only one person was injured in this incident and that was him. He accepts that if he had gone home and stayed there that would have been an end of it."

Mr Higgins added Beresford had applied himself to college courses and was considering taking alcohol and drug counselling.

Sheriff David Mackie told the accused, "There is no doubt with your record a custodial sentence is utmost in my mind. A very significant concern of public safety comes to the fore, provoked or not.

"I take account the co-operation you have shown and I take account you have served the equivalent of a four-month sentence already."

The restriction of liberty order means Beresford will be confined to his house daily between 8pm and 6am.

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