A THUG who punched and choked a university student in a robbery bid was jailed today for 30 months.

Anthony Hainey, 36, preyed on Henry Davies in Glasgow's Alexandra Parade on March 10, 2022.

Hainey initially approached his victim for money but he was refused.

The attacker then struck the undergraduate student and struggled with him for his bag which contained a laptop.

Hainey remarked: "Is this worth more than your life?"

Hainey pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assault and attempted robbery.

The court heard that Mr Davies was walking home from Strathclyde University's library when Hainey came up to him.

Hainey asked him for money and was told by Mr Davies that he did not have any.

The victim attempted to walk away but was met with a more aggressive Hainey who shouted: "Give me money."

Hainey asked what was in Mr Davies' bag and he was told it contained his personal laptop.

Prosecutor Heather Naismith said: "Hainey lunged at him and grabbed the laptop bag forcibly pulling it and attempting to pull it from him.

"Mr Davies held on and there was a struggle between both."

Hainey then made the remarks about it being worth more than his life before repeatedly punching Mr Davies to the chest.

Hainey then attempted to headbutt Mr Davies but was unable to make contact.

READ MORE: CCTV captures man fill fuel container and buy Irn-Bru before murder bid

Miss Naismith added: "Hainey seized Mr Davies by the throat and forcibly closed his grip.

"After releasing his grip, he pushed Mr Davies into a small bush and punched him on the chest a number of times."

The terrified student shouted for help and was overheard by witnesses before a 999 call was made.

Hainey was traced by officers 200 metres from the scene and he was arrested.

Mr Davies was left with red marks on his neck meantime.

David McCaig, defending, told the court that Hainey was dealing with the recent death of his grandfather and the end of a relationship at the time.

The lawyer added: "There is full acceptance that there is no excuse for this appalling behaviour.

"Mr Hainey understands that the behaviour was appalling and knows a custodial sentence will follow."

Sheriff Paul Reid told Hainey, who appeared from custody, that he had an appalling record and the sentence was imposed to have regard to public "interest and safety."