Man caught with scalpel

Jan 29 2009 by Alastair McNeill, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON man was found to be carrying a scalpel when stopped by police.

William Berry (32), of Whistleberry Drive, admitted carrying the weapon in the wooded area between the street and Craighead School on October 7 last year.

However, his not guilty plea to a charge of assaulting Louise Coyle on the same day with a bladed implement to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement was accepted by the Crown.

Not guilty pleas to charges of resisting officers by refusing to put down a scalpel, and committing a breach of the peace, were also accepted by the Crown.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court last Friday, Sheriff Frank Pieri deferred sentence on Berry until February 19 for reports.