A MAN was found to be in possession of a knife near a school in Symington.

Neil Dempsie, 47, of Wood Street, Dailly, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court last week after being charged with being in possession of a flick knife on Brewlands Drive, just yards from Symington Primary.

Appearing from custody, the court heard how Dempsie was discovered lying under a tree and appeared to be under the influence. When he finally stirred, he sat up and began to empty his pockets and pulled out the knife.

He was arrested and taken to Kilmarnock police office. In his cell he “was being disruptive” and began to struggle violently with officers before threatening to shoot, stab and kill them.

Dempsie’s solicitor, Tony Currie said: “There are a number of reasons his life descended in to chaos”. Mr Curry revealed that Dempsie has suffered from mental illness and was on anti-psychotic medication.

Dempsie claimed that the knife was used on the hooves of cattle and that he had been walking from Prestwick to Dailly to try and get a job on a farm.

Mr Curry added: “He had consumed a significant amount of paracetamol and felt unwell and sat down."

“There was no other significance other than that was his road home.

“He has never disputed the facts of this case.”

Sheriff John Montgomery deferred sentence for good behaviour and to obtain a social work report until April.