A TEENAGER armed with a knuckleduster who struggled violently with police claimed he was holding it for a friend.

William Douglas, 19, was snared with the weapon near Glasgow Central station last October.

Douglas approached PC Chloe Smith and PC Richard Divine while they were dealing with an unrelated matter.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Douglas “gave the police occasion" to search him.

Prosecutor Mark Allan said: “He struggled violently with the police and who tried to detain him for a search.

“During the process, he produced a knuckleduster out his jacket pocket which he discarded away from him.”

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The silver weapon was recovered by the officers who arrested Douglas.

When quizzed, he replied: “It was no mine, I was holding it for a pal.”

Douglas pleaded guilty to restricting, obstructing or hindering police and the unlawful possession of a knuckleduster in a public place.

Terry Gallanagh, defending, told the court Douglas was the “author of his own misfortune.”

He added: “He brought himself to the attention of the police and this matter has provided him with a short sharp shake.

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“If he continues with this kind of behaviour, he will spend time in custody.”

Sentence was deferred until next next month by Sheriff Andrew Cubie for a restriction of liberty assessment.

Douglas, of Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, was granted bail meantime.