A MASKED thug who challenged a shopkeeper with a knife has been jailed for 15 months.

James McGuire, 48, brandished the blade at Prabhjot Singh, 32, at a KeyStore in Knightswood in September 2018.

McGuire had earlier attended the shop to buy alcohol and got into an “angry exchange” with Mr Singh.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard McGuire returned 20 minutes later wearing a balaclava and hurled more abuse at the shopkeeper.

Prosecutor Mark Allan said: “He was shouting and swearing and was encouraging Mr Singh to fight.

“He brandished a knife and kicked the door of the premises then threatened to damage his car which was outside the store.”

McGuire fled the scene as a 999 call was made by Mr Singh.

McGuire was unable to be traced by police before a warrant was granted for his arrest.

He pleaded guilty on Wednesday to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and to the unlawful possession of a knife.

Lawyer, David O’Hagan, defending, told the court McGuire’s behaviour was “totally unacceptable.”

Sheriff John McCormick said: “You brandished a knife with a balaclava on, albeit briefly, while threatening the shopkeeper from outside the shop.

“This can only be dealt with by a custodial sentence.”