Police officers were called to a house in Larkhall where they were met by a man brandishing a gun, as reported by the Daily Record. The man, identified as Leslie McMillan, eventually threw the weapon aside, and it was discovered to be a plastic imitation, according to Hamilton Sheriff Court proceedings.
McMillan, aged 38, pleaded guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour at his residence on Portland Wynd on July 7 the previous year. The incident unfolded after police were requested to check on McMillan’s welfare following an earlier disturbance at the premises of Larkhall and District Volunteer Group in Victoria Street.
Prosecutor Scott O’Connor detailed that upon arriving at McMillan’s home and receiving no response at the door, the man appeared at an upstairs window. He was heard shouting threats and profanities, including statements like ‘Stop banging on my door’ and ‘I’ll stab myself in the chest’.
Concerned for McMillan’s safety, the officers called for additional police support. Despite attempts to engage in dialogue with him, McMillan emerged at a window holding what seemed to be a handgun, threatening to harm himself. The police officers cautiously urged him to lower the weapon.
Following tense moments, McMillan eventually threw the gun away before retreating back inside. Soon afterward, he surrendered, and it was confirmed that the weapon was not real but a plastic replica.
Defence lawyer Sandy Morrison highlighted McMillan’s struggles with mental health issues at the time of the incident, mentioning that he had sought help while previously in prison for a separate matter. Morrison also noted that McMillan had difficulties adhering to a court-ordered curfew.
Sheriff Liam Murphy opted to defer sentencing for one month to allow for further investigation and maintained bail for McMillan. However, he cautioned McMillan that given the severity of the offence and his prior convictions, a custodial sentence remained a possible outcome.