A man has been jailed after subjecting a bystander to a shocking racist rant and threatening to stab him outside Glasgow Central station last year.

Stephen Barrett approached his victim, who was standing with two rail workers under a canopy on Gordon Street, on the evening of July 20, 2021.

He asked the 42-year old man for a cigarette which he 'politely' declined.

Barrett then proceeded to spout a vile tirade of racist abuse aimed at his victim calling him 'a terrorist' and threatening to cause him physical harm.

Three British Transport Police officers raced to intervene and found Barrett shouting and swearing outside near the Toby Jug bar on Hope Street.

The 28-year old was arrested and taken for further questioning where he later said: "I'm not a racist."

Appearing at Glasgow Sherriff court on Thursday, March 31 2022 Barrett, of Dunblane Street, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated behaviour.

He was sentenced to seven months in jail for his crime.    

BTP Constable Macdonald said: “Barrett’s criminal actions on that summer’s evening were not only revolting but caused significant distress to the victim and the public in the area at the time.

“I would like to thank the witnesses who greatly assisted us in our investigation and the courts for handing down an adequately strong custodial sentence. 

“We take incidents of hate crime extremely seriously. Behaviour, where someone is targeted because of who they are or made to feel uncomfortable, will not be tolerated anywhere on the railway network.

“If you’re a victim of a hate crime, please report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 – no report is too small or too trivial, we will always take you seriously.”