A 64-year-old Inverness man who had been released early from a jail sentence for using a knife on his victim was back behind bars last night – at his own request.
Kenneth Mackenzie, of Lower Kessock Street, admitted possessing an imitation firearm – an orange BB gun which fires pellets – and had been previously jailed for assaulting a man to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
But his lawyer Roger Webb told Sheriff Valerie Johnston that his client had “complex health problems mentally and with alcohol” and “he wants to stay in Porterfield to sort himself out”.
The offence took place on March 25 in Cameron Square. The court heard he had gone to a door in the street and then asked someone to keep the weapon for him.
Fiscal depute Ross Carvel said:”He said can you keep this for me because I don’t want to get caught with it. When arrested by police he gave a candid interview and told officers he shouldn’t have it.”
Mackenzie was jailed for five months.
Sheriff Johnston told him she was jailing him: “in view of your last conviction which involved a knife inflicting a serious injury.
She added: “A weapon of this kind can be used to fire pellets albeit without fatal effect.”