SNS GroupA grandad who carried out an assault and robbery on a vulnerable man has been jailed for 42 months.
Robert Laughland, 52, pounced on the victim in Battlefield in Glasgow around midnight on April 19 this year.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how the man was using a walking stick when he was approached by Laughland and another man after he used an ATM.
Prosecutor Lauren Aitchison said: “Laughland put his left arm across [the victim’s] face and his right arm with a knife across his throat.”
Laughland told him: “Give me f***ing money or I will cut your throat, I’m not even joking.”
The victim then stumbled, which caused Laughland to increase his grip upon him.
Laughland then said: “I am not joking pal, I will f***ing stab you.”
The attacker turned his attention to his accomplice and stated to him: “Do your f***ing job, hold his free arm.”
Laughland pulled the man to the ground, which also caused him to lose balance.
Laughland got to his feet, stole the victim’s Sainsbury’s shopping bag, and walked away.
The victim was found lying injured on the ground by a witness.
He was taken to hospital and found to have suffered a broken hip, which required surgery.
Ms Aitchison added: “Due to this, he will suffer ongoing mobility issues.”
The matter was reported to the police, and Laughland was identified by CCTV.
He was later arrested on May 6, and when quizzed on the incident, he said: “I don’t remember what happened last night, never mind then.”
Laughland, who appeared from custody, pleaded guilty to assault and robbery to the man’s injury and permanent impairment.
David McCaig, defending, told the court: “He is ashamed and disgusted with himself.
“He only found out the serious nature of what he did when disclosure was carried through.”
Sheriff Michael Hanlon told Laughland when jailing him: “This was an appalling crime committed on a vulnerable person.
“You must have known he was vulnerable as he was walking with a stick. Your actions were cowardly.
“You have a number of convictions for assault and possession of weapons and in all the circumstances I do not see an alternative to custody.”
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