A THUG who assaulted a good Samaritan who bravely stood up to him has avoided jail.

Thomas McNaught, 34, was challenged by Issam Ouerghi, 47, after being confronted in Glasgow's Shawlands on June 30, 2020.

Mr Ouerghi was initially ordered to mind his own business by McNaught when he went to help a man.

McNaught then saw opportunity to take the victim's necklace but was told to "come and take it."

McNaught pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Ouerghi and attempting to rob him.

He also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in Glasgow city centre earlier that day.

READ MORE: Ex-Celtic star Paddy McCourt protests innocence in court appearance on sex charge

Sheriff Andrew Cubie put McNaught, of the city's Mosspark, under supervision for 12 months.

An earlier hearing was told Mr Ouerghi left his vehicle on Kilmarnock Road to assist an unknown member of the public at 7.15pm.

Prosecutor Lauren Donnelly said: "As he was doing so, McNaught approached him and told him to mind his own business.

"It was noted that McNaught was in possession of a large knife the size of his arm and a scar on his face.

"McNaught threatened him to give him the necklace and threatened to stab him while holding the knife.

"Mr Ouerghi told McNaught to come and take it from him if he was game enough."

McNaught continued to threaten Mr Ouerghi before making off in a blue Volkswagen Polo car.

Mr Ouerghi contacted police who were able to trace the car to McNaught's brother's address, but he was initially unable to be found.

The court was also told McNaught had approached Ziad Baha Iddin in the city centre's Saltmarket while keeping the same blade hidden up his arm.

READ MORE: Man given motorbike as a present drove it whilst banned and under the influence

Mr Iddin ran into a nearby restaurant but was later joined by McNaught who shouted across to a window of one of the flats on the street.

McNaught then got into the blue Polo car and drove off.

Garvey McArdle, defending, told the court McNaught had been taking drugs following the end of his relationship.