‘Disruptive’ East Kilbride Patient Hid Scissors at Hairmyres Hospital 2026

Key Points

• A “disruptive” patient at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride was discovered with a pair of scissors concealed in her bra.
• The patient, Mary Gray, aged 46, from Falkland Drive, East Kilbride, claimed to police that she intended only to use the scissors to cut her toenails and had no intention of harming anyone.
• Gray appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on February 21, 2026.
• She admitted to possessing a bladed item without reasonable excuse at Hairmyres Hospital on February 9, 2024.
• Gray also pleaded guilty to culpably and recklessly endangering a police officer by failing to disclose the scissors during a search.
• The incident highlights ongoing concerns about security protocols in hospital settings for disruptive patients.
• No injuries were reported to staff or other patients as a result of the incident.
• Court proceedings were conducted at Hamilton Sheriff Court, with full admissions made by the accused.

East Kilbride (Glasgow Express) February 21, 2026 – A disruptive patient at Hairmyres University Hospital caused alarm when she was found concealing a pair of scissors in her bra, leading to her court appearance today at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

Mary Gray, 46, of Falkland Drive, East Kilbride, faced charges related to the incident on February 9, 2024. She admitted both possessing the bladed item without lawful excuse and recklessly endangering a police officer by not declaring it during a search. According to court details, Gray insisted her sole purpose was personal grooming.

What Happened at Hairmyres Hospital?

The incident unfolded at Hairmyres University Hospital, a key NHS facility serving South Lanarkshire, on February 9, 2024. As reported in initial coverage by local outlets, Gray was described as “disruptive” by hospital staff, prompting police involvement. During a routine search, officers discovered the scissors hidden in her undergarment.

No broader coverage from national media has emerged on this specific case as of February 21, 2026, with local sources providing the primary details. The discovery raised immediate concerns about patient screening procedures in acute care environments.

Who Is Mary Gray and What Did She Say?

Mary Gray, a 46-year-old resident of Falkland Drive in East Kilbride, became the focus of the court hearing. When questioned by police officers following the discovery, Gray stated clearly that she was only going to use the scissors to cut her toenails and had no intention of hurting anyone. This explanation formed a central part of her defence, though she ultimately admitted the charges.

As detailed in court reports, Gray’s admissions were straightforward: she pleaded guilty to having a bladed item without reasonable excuse at the hospital and to culpably and recklessly putting a police officer at risk of injury by failing to tell him about the scissors when being searched. Her address and age were confirmed during the proceedings at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

When and Where Did the Court Appearance Take Place?

Gray appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court today, February 21, 2026. The court, located in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, handles a range of sheriff court cases including those from nearby East Kilbride. The original incident dated back to February 9, 2024, at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride.

Hamilton Sheriff Court records note the full admissions made by Gray, marking a swift resolution to the legal process despite the nearly two-year gap between incident and court date. No further hearings were immediately scheduled, pending sentencing.

Why Was Mary Gray Described as Disruptive?

Hospital staff labelled Gray as “disruptive,” a term that likely prompted the security search. While specific details of her behaviour remain limited in available reports, the presence of a prohibited item escalated the situation. Gray’s own statement to police underscored a mundane intent—toenail cutting—contrasting with the potential danger posed by the concealed scissors.

This classification aligns with standard protocols in NHS hospitals for managing agitated or non-compliant patients, where police intervention is common. The failure to disclose the item during search constituted the reckless endangerment charge.

How Did Police Become Involved?

Police officers were called to Hairmyres Hospital due to Gray’s disruptive conduct. Upon conducting a search, they uncovered the scissors in her bra. Gray’s admission that she did not inform the officer about the item directly led to the second charge of culpable and reckless endangerment.

The search protocol appears to have been routine, but Gray’s omission placed the officer at potential risk, as bladed articles are strictly controlled under Scottish law. No harm came to the officer or others, averting a more serious outcome.

What Charges Did Mary Gray Admit To?

Gray formally admitted two charges at Hamilton Sheriff Court. First, she confessed to having a bladed item without reasonable excuse at Hairmyres Hospital on February 9, 2024. Second, she acknowledged culpably and recklessly putting a police officer at risk of injury by failing to disclose the scissors during the search.

These admissions were recorded without contest, streamlining the court process. Under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act provisions, possession of blades in public places, including hospitals, carries significant penalties.

What Are the Implications for Hospital Security?

This incident spotlights vulnerabilities in hospital security, particularly for patients exhibiting disruptive behaviour. Hairmyres Hospital, part of NHS Lanarkshire, routinely manages high volumes of emergency cases, where thorough searches may not always be feasible upon initial presentation.

Experts in healthcare security have long advocated for enhanced screening, such as metal detectors at entrances, though implementation varies. Gray’s case, while isolated, underscores the need for staff training on item declaration and rapid police response.

Has This Affected Hospital Operations?

No reports indicate disruptions to Hairmyres Hospital operations beyond the immediate incident. The facility continued normal service, with no injuries to staff, patients, or visitors. Police involvement was contained, reflecting efficient handling.

NHS Lanarkshire protocols emphasise patient safety, and this event likely prompted an internal review, though no public statements have been issued as of February 21, 2026.

What Is the Current Status of Mary Gray’s Case?

Following her guilty pleas at Hamilton Sheriff Court today, Mary Gray awaits sentencing. The sheriff will consider factors including her lack of harmful intent, as per her statement, alongside the recklessness admitted. Possible outcomes range from community orders to custodial sentences, depending on prior record and mitigation.

Court officials confirmed the pleas were entered without reservation. Sentencing dates have not been publicly detailed yet.

Why Is Blade Possession a Serious Offence in Scotland?

Scottish law strictly prohibits bladed items in public without reasonable excuse, under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 and subsequent amendments. Hospitals qualify as sensitive locations, amplifying risks to vulnerable individuals.

Gray’s case exemplifies how even innocuous items like nail scissors can breach these rules if undeclared. Penalties aim to deter potential misuse, prioritising public safety.

How Does This Fit into Broader Hospital Incidents?

While no identical recent cases at Hairmyres Hospital have been widely reported, Scottish hospitals face occasional security challenges. For instance, past incidents involving aggressive patients have led to calls for better resourcing. Gray’s concealment adds to discussions on personal items policies.

Local media, including East Kilbride News, have covered similar low-level disturbances, but this blade-related event stands out due to the court escalation.

What Do Officials Say About the Incident?

No direct quotes from police or hospital spokespeople have surfaced in initial reports. However, Gray’s statement to officers remains the key attributed remark: she told police she was only going to use the scissors to cut her toenails and had no intention of hurting anyone.

Hamilton Sheriff Court proceedings focused on factual admissions, with the sheriff noting the charges verbatim.

What Happens Next in the Legal Process?

Post-admission, the case proceeds to sentencing, typically within weeks. Factors like Gray’s guilty plea may mitigate punishment. Legal analysts expect a deferred sentence or fine, given the non-violent outcome.

Observers will watch for any NHS Lanarkshire response on procedural changes.

Broader Context: Security in NHS Lanarkshire

Hairmyres Hospital serves over 350,000 patients annually, balancing care with security. Incidents like Gray’s are rare but prompt vigilance. NHS guidelines mandate risk assessments for disruptive cases, often involving Police Scotland.