Machete man’s plea: 'Lock me up'

Nov 17 2009 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

A MAN who begged a sheriff to lock him up after being found standing in the street with a machete has been jailed for five months.

John McChesney, 38, told Paisley Sheriff Court his life was “in a rut” and he hoped spending time behind bars might be the jolt he needed for a fresh start.

McChesney, formerly of Cowal Drive in Linwood, admitted being found in unlawful possession of a machete in Brediland Road, Linwood, where he lived in August last year.

The court was told a female neighbour had heard a disturbance and, when she looked out to see what was going on, spotted McChesney standing in the street with the weapon – which she thought was a sword – in his hand.

When police arrived at the scene they found McChesney and a youth “having words” at an access road to Linwood Sports Centre.

McChesney, who was holding a large machete, told officers: “I took it off an idiot. My girlfriend’s daughter got slapped by one of them.”

McChesney’s defence agent John Gardner confirmed the young girl had been outside and came to the door covered in blood. She told McChesney she had been hit by a youth who was in a group, three of whom were armed.

At this point, McChesney went out to challenge them and one who had a machete dropped it. He then picked it up.

When police arrived McChesney was still in the street talking to one youth after the others fled.

Background reports previously requested by the court revealed that McChesney was hoping for a period behind bars.

When Sheriff Colin Pettigrew sought clarification, Mr Gardner explained: “His life is in a rut and he simply cannot seem to get himself out of it.

“He sees custody as the one chance he might have to bring changes about.”

Mr Gardner said his client appreciated he would lose his council tenancy and was hoping the local authority would re-house him on his eventual release, giving him an opportunity to start afresh in the community.

Sheriff Pettigrew said the accused’s explanation about how he came to be in possession of the weapon provided a partial excuse.

But he said McChesney should have either taken it inside for safety or immediately made contact with police.

Sheriff Pettigrew stressed unlawful possession of weapons in public had to be dealt with severely and jailed McChesney for five months.