A KILMARNOCK man has thanked a sheriff - after being handed a prison sentence of nearly two years for being caught with a horrifying weapon.

Eamon Doherty's lawyer said the 26-year-old "seems at his happiest" when he is behind bars.

Doherty, described in court papers as a prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock, had earlier pleaded guilty to being in possession of a sharpened piece of metal on the town's King Street on January 16.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court heard Doherty had been released from jail on licence for a previous offence just days before the incident.

Chris Munro, prosecuting, said police officers had been called to a report of a disturbance on the street at around 2pm.

When they attended half an hour later they were informed by a member of the public that there was "a man with a weapon" nearby.

Doherty was observed in the area and was stopped by police for a search.

Mr Munro told the court police had asked Doherty if he was in possession of any harmful items.

"He responded that he had a sharpened piece of metal he was 'willing to use if needed'," Mr Munro added.

Doherty went on to tell cops he would “slash someone in the face" with the implement if they tried to assault him, and saying he had been "having trouble with youths" before the incident. 

Defence solicitor Neil McPherson said his client had had a "challenging upbringing".

Mr McPherson added: “I think this was done deliberately to get back in custody. He seems at his happiest when he is back in custody.

“It is a very sad state of affairs.”

Sheriff Alistair Watson told Doherty: “You were only just released from custody days before this. There is nothing spontaneous about going out with an item like this.

“Short jail sentences and community orders seem to have had no effect.

“You were released early on good behaviour last time, and you have hardly been on good behaviour since.”

Watson sentenced Doherty to a total of 23 months behind bars, including part of the sentence for which he'd been released on licence just before the King Street incident.

As he was led away Doherty said "thank you" to the sheriff.