Man who stabbed stranger with smashed bottle on Glasgow train gets 12 years

Thomas Craig said he "struggled to understand" his behaviour but accepted it would continue to "haunt" the victims Glenn Lennon and Aaron Nelson. Photo / British Transport Police

A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after brutally stabbing a stranger on a train with a smashed glass bottle.

Thomas Craig was sentenced in the High Court at Glasgow for the February 2024 attack that left victim Glenn Lennon, 23, with a collapsed lung and severed artery.

The Sun reported Craig initially attacked Lennon’s friend, Aaron Nelson, 22, after a minor dispute.

Footage released by the British Transport Police shows Craig, who had been seated with a female passenger, grabbing a bottle of Buckfast wine before launching himself down the train carriage toward Nelson and Lennon, raising the bottle to strike.

Lord Arthurson reminded Craig at the sentencing this week, “Your victims were complete strangers to you”.

Craig was convicted of attempted murder and aggravated assault last month.

Thomas Craig will serve 12 years for stabbing Glenn Lennon on a Scotland train in 2024. Photo / British Transport Police

“You had, that day, taken alcohol for six hours and also cocaine,” Lord Arthur said.

“Footage of the crimes was played to the jury.

“In a background report for this case, you described yourself as ‘a monster’ who was unrecognisable to you.

“You launched a violently appalling attack, terrifying them and all on board who witnessed what you did.”

The court heard Craig struck Nelson over the head with the bottle after a verbal altercation.

When Nelson tried to flee further down the carriage, Craig pursued him and struck him a second time, causing the bottle to shatter.

The judge also acknowledged the brave support of fellow passengers, including a nurse, who stepped in to help the injured on board, according to The Sun.

Lennon then attempted to intervene, but was stabbed in the chest with the neck of the bottle, causing him to lose 40% of his blood.

Footage later showed Craig walking back up the carriage and changing into a clean hoodie to replace the bloodied one.

Police and paramedic officers attended at Larbert station where Craig was arrested and the victims were transported to hospital.

Nelson and Lennon both testified that the attack left them scarred for life.

“There are essentially two Thomas Craigs,” defence lawyer Tony Graham, KC, told the court.

“One who behaves in an inappropriate and criminal way and one who is a contributor to those around him.

“He is a man who has seen his face on CCTV. He is a man who has seen what he has done.”

Graham said Craig “struggled to understand” his behaviour but accepted it would continue to “haunt” Nelson and Lennon, The Sun reported.

Craig will be subject to supervision conditions for three years following his release.

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