A serial knife carrier had two blades hidden in his sock when he was searched by a police officer.

Connor Reilly offered no explanation but later claimed he had taken them away from a friend who had been self-harming.

Reilly, 29, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted putting a police officer searching him at risk of injury by denying he was in possession of any sharp object.

Lewis Devoy, prosecuting, said Reilly was arrested in Coltness Road, Wishaw, on June 5. He was smelling of a "herbal substance" and his speech was slurred.

The fiscal stated: "Before being searched he was asked if he had anything sharp and replied no.

"While taking off the accused's right sock, officers observed two blades, the type found in a Stanley knife.

"The accused was then conveyed to hospital for assessment before being discharged into police custody."

Reilly has several previous convictions for carrying a knife. Last year he was jailed for 10 months after producing a knife during a row outside Houldsworth Bowling Club, Wishaw.

Defence agent Rowan Myles said his client took the blades from someone he knew.

Mr Myles told the court: "She was self-harming and he discovered these items.

"Instead of disposing of them in an appropriate way, he took them with him.

"At the time he was taking up to 100 diazepam tablets daily as a result of anxiety and depression.

"He is crying out for assistance. He has a desire to change and break free from the cycle of offending."

Sheriff Michael Higgins deferred sentence until next month for background reports.

Reilly, who has been in prison since his arrest in June, was again remanded in custody.

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