A HIGH VALLEYFIELD man accused of smashing a window told police he did not commit small-time crimes – only stabbings.

When Alan Latimer was searched, he was found to be in possession of a lock-knife, hidden in his sock.

Latimer, 29, of Leighton Street, appeared from custody at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on July 26, at James Bank Hostel, James Street, Dunfermline, he was in possession of a lock-knife.

Depute fiscal Claire Bremner said police had been called to Dunfermline’s James Bank Hostel at 3.25am where they found Latimer in the rear courtyard and asked him if he had smashed a window there.

He replied: “I don’t smash windows, I just stab c****. I wouldn’t lower myself.”

He was searched and found to have a lock-knife concealed in his sock.

Defence solicitor Alexander Flett said his client was drunk at the time and his comments were “stupid”. He added: “He was just trying to be smart to the police.”

Latimer also admitted that on November 23, at Asda St Leonard's, he stole a quantity of alcohol.

He was seen acting suspiciously then taking a case of lager and going under a till barrier.

When stopped by staff, he claimed he had taken the lager in with him but CCTV showed this was not the case.

When police arrived, he had left the scene. The goods were valued at £16.20 and there was no recovery.

Latimer also admitted he then breached bail curfew conditions imposed by the court on several occasions.

Sheriff Charles MacNair jailed Latimer for 15 months.