A BRAVE doctor was left badly hurt after trying to stop a violent Drumchapel thief from stealing his car.

Dr Andrew Nath tackled Michael MacDonald who apparently wanted to buy the medic's Volkswagen Golf.

MacDonald had turned up at Dr Nath's home in Glasgow's Park Circus after the motor was advertised for sale on Gumtree last June.

But, after a quick test drive, the thug then sped off as the doctor clung onto the Volkswagen to prevent it being taken.

Dr Nath's foot got trapped in a door at one point during the terrifying incident.

He eventually managed to leap for safety but police were unable to catch MacDonald during a high speed chase.

However, MacDonald was later snared when keys to the car were found lying in a block of flats he was traced to.

A judge heard today how the doctor has not fully recovered after suffering a fractured collarbone.

MacDonald, of the city's Drumchapel, now faces jail after he admitted at the High Court in Glasgow to assaulting and robbing Dr Nath.

He was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month.

The court heard how Dr Nath had joined MacDonald for a test drive of the motor.

They soon stopped and Dr Nath got out expecting MacDonald to do the same.

But, the thug started the engine again as the medic desperately reached in for the keys.

Prosecutor Duncan McPhie said: “He was prevented by MacDonald and a scuffle ensued.

“MacDonald shouted to Dr Nath to repeatedly 'get to f***'.”

As the doctor tried to halt MacDonald, he yelled: “Somebody help me."

The thief then drove off as Dr Nath kept a grip on the steering wheel.

Mr McPhie: “He put his feet on the door frame and held on. A witness made a 999 call.

“Dr Nath recalls the car driving at speed and that he was shouting at MacDonald to stop.

“MacDonald drove off. He began to push Dr Nath on the stomach repeatedly trying to get him out.”

The court heard MacDonald then ploughed through road barriers as the now terrified victim's foot got stuck in a door.

The thug went on to punch the doctor in the face.

Dr Nath eventually managed to free his foot and jump onto the ground.

MacDonald raced off as police were alerted and gave chase.

The court heard MacDonald “weaved in and out of traffic” in the city's Great Western Road.

He also went through red lights and mounted a pavement to get away.

Mr McPhie: “Due to road safety concerns, the officers were advised to stand down.”

Dr Nath's Volkswagen was then spotted later that afternoon near MacDonald's home in Drumchapel.

MacDonald was traced a week later at a house in the city's Govan. The key for Dr Nath's car was then found lying in a tenement there.

Dr Nath was badly hurt as a result of his ordeal.

He suffered a fractured collarbone and has been left scarred for life following surgery.

It may be several months yet before the doctor recovers from the injury.

MacDonald had faced an attempted murder accusation today. But, he pled guilty to the reduced charge of assaulting and robbing the doctor to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment as well as to the danger of life.

MacDonald also admitted dangerous driving.

Lady Stacey deferred sentencing for reports.