Dad jailed after motorist spotted him carrying a machete in street

A Hamilton father has been sentenced to 16 months in jail after a motorist spotted him carrying a machete in the street. Stuart Connal claimed that he had taken the blade from his son to prevent any potential trouble. However, Hamilton Sheriff Court revealed that Connal had previous convictions related to possession of weapons. The incident, which took place on May 1 last year on Hillhouse Road, was reported around 4:30 pm when a passing driver witnessed four young males seemingly confronting a man in a white tracksuit and another individual.

Prosecutor Scott O’Connor stated that the man in the tracksuit was holding a machete, prompting the driver to contact the police. Connal was later identified through video footage obtained by the officers. Defence lawyer Gregor Jarrott argued that the footage supported Connal’s claim of taking the weapon away from his son, as he believed it was inappropriate for the son to have it in his possession. He mentioned that Connal had destroyed the blade after retrieving it.

During the sentencing, Sheriff Michael Higgins highlighted Connal’s extensive criminal record, including a conviction in 2022 for threatening behaviour involving a sharp object. The sheriff emphasised the negative impact of weapons and knives on the community but acknowledged that the situation did not escalate to a more severe outcome in this instance.

This case serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with carrying weapons in public spaces and the importance of ensuring the safety of individuals within the community. It underscores the need for strict enforcement of weapon possession laws to prevent potential harm and maintain public security. Parents should also take responsibility for monitoring and controlling their children’s access to dangerous items to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. It is imperative for everyone to work together to create a safer environment for all members of society.