A Portuguese tourist caught with a knife in Perth city centre can finally return home after being stranded in the UK for more than two months.
Italo Cardoso was seen on CCTV storming out of the Airbnb flat he had rented with his partner, grasping a five inch blade.
The 35-year-old was arrested and had his passport seized.
Perth Sheriff Court heard Cardoso has been unable to go home since the incident in January.
He believes he has now lost his job and his tenancy back home.
The court was told the incident followed an argument at the South Street holiday apartment, after Cardoso found out his partner was HIV positive.
Police called by neighbour
He is now free to return to his home country after pleading guilty to possession of a knife in a public place on January 29.
Fiscal depute Sam Craib, prosecuting, confirmed that Cardoso was forced to surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions.
“This happened on a busy street,” he said.
“CCTV shows the accused leaving the property holding the knife, described as a five inch blade.”
Police were contacted by a neighbour and Cardoso, wearing a distinctive yellow jumper, was traced nearby.
It is believed he ditched the blade in a litter bin before police caught up with him.
Presented with broken bottle
Solicitor Linda Clark, defending, said: “He had been in a relationship with his partner for about three months.
“They had come to this area on holiday and rented out an Airbnb on South Street.
“An argument had taken place, which related to medication that his partner had been using.
“Mr Cardoso was convinced that the medication suggested his partner was HIV positive, and that had not been disclosed to him.”
His partner confirmed this was the case, the court heard.
“The partner then presented a broken bottle at Mr Cardoso, who decided to flee the flat.
“But stupidly, without thinking of the consequences, he picked up a knife and took it with him.”
Knife crime
Ms Clark said: “He had a job in Portugal which he now has lost, but he is still keen to return as soon as possible.”
Cardoso has been living with his mother in London since he was released on bail following his first court appearance on January 30.
Ms Clark said his mum could pay a fine, and he would reimburse her.
Prosecutors accepted a not guilty plea to an allegation that Cardoso behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
Sheriff Alison McKay told Cardoso: “I’m sure your solicitor has told you that this court takes a serious view of anyone who is found in possession of a weapon.
“Knife crime is a particularly serious problem in Scotland.”
She added: “Normally I would defer sentence for reports.
“But in the particular circumstances, I am persuaded to deal with this by way of a financial penalty.”
Cordoso, listed on court papers as “of no fixed abode,” was fined £800.
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