Thief who went on rampage across Glasgow's west end jailed for more than six years

A thug who carried out seven terrifying street robberies in just 50 minutes has been jailed for more than six years.

Thomas Guthrie, 23, struck in January this year during a series of crimes in Glasgow's west end.

His victims included a man who he stabbed on the leg, two women out for a walk and a schoolboy returning to his home.

Guthrie was today locked up for six years and three months at the High Court in Glasgow.

He had earlier pled guilty to the assault and robberies as well as dangerous driving.

Lord Mulholland told him: “Members of the public have a right to go about their business without being victims of your criminal behaviour.”

The court was earlier told the first target was delivery driver Thomas Baylem, 30, in the city's Yorkhill at 6.45pm on January 14.

Guthrie had a knife as he demanded: “Give me your money”.

Mr Baylem said he had no cash and Guthrie then fled in a car.

Just five minutes later, the thug pounced on James Cleghorn, 37, close to a Tesco store in nearby Partick.

Guthrie grabbed him, but Mr Cleghorn initially fought back.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell said: “He headbutted Guthrie and ran off, however then tripped.

“Guthrie caught up and stabbed him on the right thigh.”

The court heard Mr Cleghorn later needed stitches for the leg wound.

At 6.55pm, Shaun Dunning was walking his dog in Partick as Guthrie jumped out a car clutching a steak knife.

He initially wanted cash from the 33-year-old.

Mr Farrell: “He explained he did not have any money. Guthrie then demanded Mr Dunning hand over a silver ring he was wearing, which he complied with.”

Jack Steedman was in the city's Hyndland at 7.10pm when he was grabbed.

The 24-year-old handed over his wallet to blade wielding Guthrie.

Twenty minutes later, Juliet Sutherland (52) and Lieve Sutherland (66) were in Kelvindale when they were confronted.

Guthrie again had a knife while an accomplice was clutching a hammer.

The shocked women were told: “Empty your pockets and give me everything you've got.”

Juliet eventually handed over £25 before the pair raced away in a Volkswagen Golf.

The final victim was a 15-year-old boy at 7.35pm in Kelvindale.

Mr Farrell: “He was scared and fearful for his safety and said he only had his iPhone.

“Guthrie told him to unlock it, remove his password and give it to him, which he did.

“The boy offered Guthrie his headphones, which he took.”

Police probing the robbery spree clocked the VW Golf in the early hours of the next morning.

Officers gave chase including through the grounds of the city's Stobhill Hospital.

It was there one of the car's tyres flew off before the VW skidded into a wall.

Guthrie tried to flee, but was soon caught.

He later claimed to be “nowhere near” the crimes.

Guthrie was on bail at the time for assault with intent to rob, having an offensive weapon and vandalism.

Billy Lavelle, defending, said Guthrie had appeared to be of “decent” character, with a “good family” before “going off the rails”.

The lawyer added: “He fully accepts he committed these offences, but is at a loss as to why.”

The court was also told Guthrie had refused to name who his accomplice was.

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