A teenager who was spotted wearing a balaclava and carrying a chair in Glasgow city centre was later found to have a broken glass bottle in his pocket.

Mason McLeod, 18, was at Royal Exchange Square when cops spotted him with the chair from a nearby restaurant at 10pm on December 11 last year.

They approached him and had reason to search him.

McLeod was asked if he had anything sharp in his possession that could hurt police during the search, and he replied: "Only my house keys."

At Glasgow Sheriff Court this week, prosecutor Brogan Moffat said: “Police began the search and an officer put their hands within the accused’s jacket pocket.

“They located a large glass bottle. The bottom had been smashed and was exposing sharp glass. Fortunately, it was pointing down and there was no injury sustained.

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“He was conveyed to London Road police office. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

He appeared in court for sentencing after being charged with culpably and recklessly placing police officers conducting a search at risk.

McLeod’s lawyer revealed his client is engaging with ongoing support from organisations including Skills Development Scotland.

He added: “He is a young age, and you may wish to keep an eye on him by deferring sentence to the youth court or placing him on a structured deferred sentence.

“Clearly there is a focus for supervision or some support.”

Sheriff Simone Sweeney told McLeod: “Notwithstanding the seriousness of this matter, there is an alternative to a custodial sentence.

“I will place you on a structured deferred sentence within the youth court. If you fail to take this opportunity all sentencing options remain open.”

McLeod, from Cardonald, will return to court in October.