A DRUNK passenger racially abused strangers at a Glasgow petrol station before throwing a traffic cone at one and punching another.

So-called "banter" escalated at Tesco St Rollox on July 18, 2020, to the point of violence.

Around 8pm, the witness, Majid Springher, arrived at the Glasgow store and began filling up his car.

When he went to pay for the fuel, Thomas Swan got out of another vehicle and became verbally abusive.

He then picked up a traffic cone and flung it at Mr Springher, who was able to catch it.

Another witness was concerned for him and tried to help.

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At this point Swan, from Paisley, shouted "go back home to your own country, fat b*****d", and then called him a "P**i".

He followed this by shouting: "I'm going to stab you."

Swan then punched the second man, Zohier Jadalic, to his face, causing an injury to his lip.

Mr Jadalic went to the police station to report the incident in person.

Swan's defence lawyer told Glasgow Sheriff Court last week how the 27-year-old bricklayer was initially trying to "banter" with people on the forecourt.

The dad-of-two was "heavily intoxicated" and had been at a barbecue with friends before the incident.

The lawyer said: "Clearly without alcohol this would not have happened."

Swan is now, his defence brief added, teetotal.

Sheriff Jonathan Guy said: "I take on board and accept this is unusual behaviour for you.

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"These were really appalling events."

The sheriff added that comments like those made by Swan "just cannot be tolerated and the court views them very seriously."

Swan was placed on a community payback order and told to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work.   

Glasgow Times: In article banner: crime