A MAN who stabbed his sister with a kitchen knife was spared a custodial sentence at Alloa Sheriff Court last week.

Mathew Wootton was warned the offence would usually result in imprisonment when he was in the dock on Thursday, October 24.

But the sheriff claimed he would rather help the 28-year-old address his underlying mental health difficulties rather than punish him.

Wootton carried out the attack on his sibling at an address in Alva on February 11.

According to fiscal depute Susannah Hutchison, he showed up to the family property "under the influence of alcohol" and started shouting through the front door.

After being allowed entry, Wootton proceeded to argue with his sister, and then called the police claiming he wanted to be arrested.

Ms Hutchison said: "He was told police wouldn't attend, and at that stage he stated someone would be 'getting stabbed'.

"That was queried by the call taker and the accused stated: 'I'll end up f*****g stabbing my sister.'"

Shortly after, Wootton went to the kitchen and grabbed a six or seven-inch-long knife and attacked his sibling.

He struck her on the thigh with the blade, at which point other family members separated the pair until police arrived.

Wootton was subsequently charged and later pleaded guilty to assaulting his sister to her injury.

In mitigation, solicitor Robert Smith claimed his client was a first offender and had been assessed as being at a low risk of reoffending.

He went on to say that Wootton has a number of physical and mental health difficulties, and required support.

Sheriff David Mackie then warned Wootton of how serious his offence was.

He said: "It will not be unusual if someone appears in court with a conviction of stabbing, that would most often lead to a custodial sentence."

But, the sheriff went on to say that he felt it was more important to allow him to address his mental health difficulties.

He then handed Wootton, of Seaforth Road in Langlees, Falkirk, a community payback order with the requirement he undergo supervision and mental health treatment for two years.