ONE of Scotland's most violent men has been jailed for four years and nine months for robbing a man at knifepoint because he thought he looked "neddish".

Daniel McAlpine, 47, has served a string of sentences for violent crimes, including eight years for assault and robbery.

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard how McAlpine boarded a bus to Coatbridge from Buchanan Street station and held a knife to passenger Mark Stewart's throat before demanding cash and a chain he was wearing.

His terrified victim handed over his loose change and the chain.

Mr Stewart and a friend shouted for the driver to stop the bus, saying a passenger had a knife.

The driver phoned for the police and McAlpine was arrested five minutes later.

Lawyer Eddie Kelly, defending, said: "He had taken alcohol along with his medication, which affected his judgment.

"During the bus journey he formed the view this man was neddish and decided to teach his a lesson and give him a fright."

McAlpine, whose address was given as a prisoner at Barlinnie, pleaded guilty to assaulting and robbing Mr Stewart on August 24, 2006.