A man threatened to stab a woman after she told him she didn’t have a cigarette to give him.

David Nelson, 25, of Blantyre, was sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court recently after pleading guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.

The court heard that the woman, who was unknown to Nelson, had been within Glasgow Central Station in the city centre at around 10.30pm on November 15, 2023.

At this time she left and went outside under the canopy on Gordon Street to have a cigarette.

Whilst there she saw an intoxicated man – Nelson - who approached her and asked for a cigarette.

The woman told Nelson she didn’t have one to give him and walked away.

READ NEXT: Man with 'appalling record' has been jailed for driving while disqualified

Nelson shouted at her stating “You’re a f*****g liar” and threw his arms around before saying “You’re just asking to be stabbed”.

He continued shouting, swearing and waving his arms and stated “If you keep talking I have a lockback knife and will stab you”.

Officers in the control room saw this on CCTV and went out onto the main concourse however Nelson had left the area.

He returned to the area a short time later and was stopped by police and searched because of the earlier claim about a knife.

Nelson did not have a knife in his possession. He was cautioned and charged to which he made no reply.

READ NEXT: Govan man pointed air pistol at other men before swinging it around

Nelson’s lawyer told the court that his client had difficulties with alcohol and street Valium at the time of the offence.

The defence solicitor said: “This was a very nasty offence. The lady was unknown to him. The argument was because she wasn't prepared to share the cigarette.

"He was under the influence at the time. He had difficulties with drinking and consuming street Valium in November 2023.

"Reports show he has a prescription for a substitute for the substance and was in contact with the organisation CARES and another organisation to get employment.

“He successfully completed a community payback order at Hamilton Sheriff Court. It may be of benefit to place him on a further order.

“He is keen to continue with the progress he has made and keen to commit to a further order.”

Sheriff Joanna McDonald placed Nelson on a community payback order with 18 months of social work supervision and 133 hours of unpaid work.