A thug carried out a prolonged attack on a bus passenger after he refused to shake his hand.

William Watson, 36, turned on stranger Raza Alizadeh, 24, in Glasgow's Dumbarton Road on March 27 this year.

Prosecutor Sarah Latta told Glasgow Sheriff Court that the pair were sitting on either side of the top deck.

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She said: "Watson approached the victim from behind without warning and slapped him to the back of his head.

"He turned round and asked why he did that and in response Watson got very close to him and demanded he shook his hand.

"Mr Alizadeh refused to shake his hand and was punched to the face."

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The victim tried to push back against Watson who was significantly taller and broader than him to no avail.

Watson repeatedly struck blows to Mr Alizadeh before pinning him down on a seat.

Miss Latta added: "For approximately two minutes, Watson struck him repeatedly punching him on the head and body before spitting on his head."

Numerous members of the public who tried to intervene failed to separate the pair.

Police arrived as Watson attempted to flee the bus.

Mr Alizadeh was taken to hospital for a suspected broken nose which was found to be a swollen nasal bone.

Watson pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Alizadeh to his injury.

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Matthew Jackson QC who continued Watson's remand in custody meantime.