A THUG tried to stab a police sergeant who tried to remove him from under a van.

Lee Sands, 25, lashed out at Andrew Nixon in Glasgow's Tollcross on July 20 this year.

An intoxicated Sands had earlier punched the window of a car, pursued it and followed the terrified driver.

He pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Sgt Nixon, behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and having a knife without reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

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The court heard Sands was acting aggressively on the busy Tollcross Road.

Pedestrian Caitlin Griffin thought Sands was going to drag her and ran into her car that was parked nearby.

She tried to drive away to get away from Sands.

Prosecutor Sarah Latta said: "He ran towards Miss Griffin's car and punched the passenger side window as she drove away.

"She said the punch was so hard she thought the screen would smash but it caused no damage."

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A shop owner was so scared of Sands' behaviour outside that she locked herself and customers inside.

Miss Griffin meantime fled from the car and was chased by Sands before a shop owner took her in and locked the door.

Sands then threw cans at two shops causing damage.

Police later traced Sands - who was lying on his back under a parked van - to nearby Ogilvie Street.

Officers were able to handcuff one of Sands' arms.

Miss Latta said: "Sgt Nixon saw Sands had a knife in his hand and shouted 'knife'.

"This was a folding knife with a blade of two inches in an open position which had a locking mechanism.

"Sands hand came out and attempted to stab Sgt Nixon on the leg with it.

"Sgt Nixon was able to grab his arm and stop him as the blade made little contact with his leg."

Sands made further attempts to stab Sgt Nixon but was stopped from doing so.

It was revealed Sands' last period in prison was a 24-month sentence with supervision upon his release.

Sentence was deferred until next month pending background reports by Sheriff Tom Hughes who continued Sands' remand in custody meantime.