A YOUNG man who admitted carrying an axe at Sauchie's Hallpark homeless accommodation has been given unpaid work.

Thomas-John McMahon, 21, received the sentence at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, November 12, having pleaded guilty the month before.

Prosecutor Susannah Hutchison previously told the court the offence took place on September 12, when a receptionist at Hallpark heard people shouting at around 1.50am.

After making his way towards the commotion, the receptionist saw McMahon, who appeared to be "having a disagreement" with someone else.

McMahon returned to his flat, but made his way back to the scene of the argument a short time later.

Ms Hutchison said: [The receptionist] noticed something protruding from the waistband of his shorts.

"He asked the accused to hand it over, and the accused handed over an axe."

The axe was comprised of a 12-inch metal pole, with a 3.5x3.5inch axe head welded to one end.

In court last week, solicitor Kelly Howe said her client had been "drinking to excess" on the night in question.

He believed his phone had been taken from him after leaving someone's flat, and the situation escalated.

Sheriff Craig Harris said this was an "exceptionally serious offence" that could merit a custodial sentence.

However, given McMahon's age, an alternative would be imposed.

The sheriff then placed McMahon, of Ashton View in Dumbarton, on a community payback order requiring him to complete 160 hours of unpaid work and undergo supervision for 18 months.

The order will be completed in Dumbarton.