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A LOCHWINNOCH teenager who struggled violently with police while armed with a knuckleduster claimed he was holding the weapon for a friend.

William Douglas, 19, was snared with the knuckleduster near Glasgow Central train station last October.

He approached PC Chloe Smith and PC Richard Divine while they were dealing with an unrelated matter.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how Douglas “gave the police occasion" to search him.

Prosecutor Mark Allan said: “He struggled violently with the police who tried to detain him for a search.

“During the process, he produced a knuckleduster out his jacket pocket, which he discarded away from him.”

The silver weapon was recovered by the officers, who arrested Douglas.

When quizzed, he replied: “It was no' mine, I was holding it for a pal.”

Douglas pled guilty to restricting, obstructing or hindering police and the unlawful possession of a knuckleduster in a public place.

Terry Gallanagh, defending, told the court his client was the “author of his own misfortune.”

He added: “He brought himself to the attention of the police and this matter has provided him with a short, sharp shake.

“If he continues with this kind of behaviour, he will spend time in custody.”

Sheriff Andrew Cubie deferred sentence until next month for a restriction of liberty assessment on Douglas, who was granted bail.

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