A MAN phoned a terrified woman threatening to ‘cut someone’ with a knife.

Charles Anderson, of Well Road, Auchinleck told the woman over the phone that he had a knife and threatened to attack members of the public with it, on May 8.

Anderson also admitted shouting and swearing on the same day. The 31-year-old appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court before Sheriff Mhari McTaggart last week.

The court heard how police were contacted at 6pm that day by a woman who was concerned Anderson was threatening someone with the blade.

When police found him, there was no knife found on him.

Depute fiscal, Lorri Pigeon, said: “The woman told the police that a man was held at knifepoint by the accused. Police attended the address [believed to be where the accused was] but noone answered and there was no disturbance from inside.

“They then attended the address of the woman who made the phone call. She was anxious and upset. Anderson had phoned her and told her he had a knife.

He phoned again.

“Police heard that he was intoxicated and that Anderson was shouting and swearing. He told the woman he was in possession of a knife and was going to ‘cut someone’.

“A short time later, Anderson was traced by the police, but there was no knife on him. He was arrested and taken to the police station.”

Speaking on his behalf defence solicitor, John Gallagher, said: “Four police attended in order to establish if there was an ongoing issue.

“Mr Anderson had been drinking that day and his recollection is not good. These were drunken ramblings.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff McTaggart, said: “I can step back from a custodial sentence but if you cannot cooperate, I will send you into custody.”

Anderson will be placed under supervision for 18 months. He will also complete 210 hours of unpaid work in 10 months.