A teenager landed in court yesterday after he was caught bringing a knife he bought in Switzerland into school.
Allan Macdonald was spotted sitting alone in the canteen of Aboyne Academy with the blade last year.
Other youths saw him with the knife but formed the opinion that he posed no threat and he was persuaded by a female pupil to hand it over.
Senior members of staff were then informed and police were contacted.
The 18-year-old previously admitted being in possession of a knife without permission at his school on November 27 last year.
He returned to Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday to be sentenced and was told to carry out unpaid work in the community.
Representing MacDonald, of Bridgeview Place in Aboyne, defence agent Stuart Beveridge said his client realised his actions were “foolish.”
He said: “He is a first time offender at 18 years of age.
“He was 17-years-old at the time and has left school and is now in employment as a chef.
“The knife in question was purchased by Mr McDonald in Switzerland when he was there with the scouts last summer.
“It was the first time it had been moved outwith the home address.
“He realises it was a stupid thing to have done and has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
Imposing a sentence, Sheriff Marion McDonald described it as a “very serious” offence.
She said: “Taking into account your age and the fact that you have no previous convictions I am going to impose a payback order.”
She ordered the teenager to carry out 65 hours of unpaid work within three months.