AN ARMY hopeful who slapped a fellow customer and challenged others at a petrol station walked free from court.

Jamie Davidson hit the unknown person to the face at a Tesco petrol station in Glasgow’s Barrhead in August 2019.

The 27-year-old then hurled threats of violence to concerned customers before a 999 call was made.

He pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assault and two charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

The court heard of an earlier incident at a police station in the city’s Toryglen after Davidson was arrested for a separate matter.

Prosecutor Jenny Reid said: “He called a police officer a cross dresser and stated he would f***ing do him.”

The hearing was told a drunk Davidson entered the petrol station a month later and reported his phone stolen.

There was a struggle after he refused to hand over the phone provided to him by staff to dial 999.

Miss Reid added: “He then began to argue with a customer and slapped them to the face.

“He then went outside into the forecourt and challenged another customer.”

Davidson then chased another member of the public and staff contacted the police.

He threatened to bite off the noses of the officers and stab them before being arrested.

Hazel Kerr, defending, told the court said Davidson’s behaviour was inexcusable.

She added: “He was in casual employment and is seeking employment in the army which features in his background report.

“He asks me to convey his remorse to the people involved and the court.”

Sheriff Patricia Pryce ordered Davidson, of the city’s Maryhill, to do 150 hours of unpaid work and put him under supervision for 12 months.

The sheriff said: “Your behaviour was utterly unacceptable, these are matters that can see people go to prison.”