Lanarkshire slashing victim took knife to hospital in case his attacker targeted him again

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Christmas Day slashing victim who took a knife to a Lanarkshire hospital has avoided jail despite his "appalling" record.Steven Kennedy, 45, claimed he had the blade in case his attacker targeted him again.He admitted illegal possession of a knife at Monklands Hospital and elsewhere on December 25 last year while on bail.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Airdrie Sheriff Court heard that Kennedy went for treatment after being assaulted at his home in the town's Mavisbank Street.Kevin Morrow prosecuting, said: "He had cuts to both sides of his face."He was asked to take off his jacket and told the staff he had something on him."He lifted up his t-shirt to reveal a knife in a sheath in the waistband of his trousers and handed it over."A police officer in the hospital was alerted and Kennedy was detained.Mr Morrow added: "He freely stated that he had been assaulted at his home.

He had taken the knife with him in case he bumped into the person responsible for the attack on his way to hospital."He had two 10cm cuts to his face.

One required six stitches and the other was glued."Defence agent Paul Belardo stressed his client had possession of the knife for only a short time.He said: "From his home, it's a walk of no more than five minutes to the hospital."I appreciate this doesn't read well, but the