A DECORATED war hero appeared in court last week for carrying a “deactivated firearm” while shopping in the Alloa Tesco last year.

Alan Greenwood, of Delph Wynd in Tullibody, admitted the offence during a hearing at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday (20 August).

The 62-year-old pled guilty to possessing the imitation hand gun as he left the supermarket on 12 December.

Depute fiscal Iain Batho told the court: “At around 5pm, the accused attended Tesco and while being served at the checkout point, he began chatting with the checkpoint assistant.

“During this time, he pulled back his jacket to show an emblem to the checkout assistant and when he done so she observed a black leather holster with the black handle of a gun inside it.” After seeing her reaction, Greenwood then apologised but told her not to worry because he was a “close protection officer”.

He then told her that his wife was “always getting on at him” as he frequently forgot to take the gun off when leaving the house.

The Tesco worker then reported the matter to her boss and the police were called in.

Officers later attended at Greenwood’s home address where he “freely showed police the imitation firearm”.

Mr Batho told the court that the gun was deactivated as the magazines and the barrels were blocked.

Jim Savage, defending, said his client suffers from ongoing stress-related issues from the time served in the armed forces – a condition exacerbated by an ongoing alcohol problem.

Greenwood was said to suffer from a terminal liver disease but has “continued to drink in the meantime”.

Sheriff David Mackie addressed the accused in sentencing and told him his ruling would be based on the support the former soldier needs.

He said: “I have before me army discharge papers which show an exemplary record of military conduct with a number of medals and commendations awarded in service of your country.

“I feel the best way to deal with this is to support you and not punish you - you will get the support you need.” Sheriff Mackie then handed Greenwood a period of 12-months’ supervision.