Man jailed for robbery and assaulting a shopworker in a railway station – Glasgow

A man has been jailed for assaulting a shopworker at Boots in Glasgow Central Station on 9 September last year.

Gary Smith, 35, of Corkerhill Place, Glasgow pled guilty on 24 August to assault and robbery. On 27 September, a judge at Glasgow Sheriff Court sentenced him to 18 months’ imprisonment.

On 9 September last year, Smith entered Boots and shouted at staff members that he wanted diazepam. Staff made attempts to calm him, but Smith then barged his way behind the counter brandishing a knife towards staff and trapping a member of staff behind the counter with him.

He then threatened to stab himself unless he was given diazepam and started to grab tablets off the shelf and put them in his mouth.

Officers arrived and detained Smith, who was arrested and charged with assault and robbery.

BTP Det Con Finlay Bruce said: “This was an extremely frightening and traumatising incident for the staff involved. Despite this, they showed tremendous bravery to try and calm Smith prior to our arrival which I highly commend them for.

“In addition, our officer’s swift action on arrival ensured that the incident did not thankfully escalate any further.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated, and I urge anyone who is witness to any incidents such as these on the railway or in our stations to use our text number, 61016 to report it to us or call 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always dial 999.”