The homeless man who stood guard by an open car in Glasgow to make sure a handbag and money were not stolen has been sent off to rehab to help get his life back on track.

The Evening Times reported on the amazing story of James John McGeown on Thursday, hours after he became a viral hit.

Clydebank business owner John McMonagle took to Facebook to tell the “breathtaking” tale of how James watched over a £450 sum of cash he left in his car while he was inside Glasgow Sheriff Court before raising the alarm.

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At the time, John described how James “is homeless and alcohol-dependant and an absolute GENTLEMAN.”

Now, though, John has revealed he has taken James to a detox centre in the city to help get clean.

Posting an image of the pair on Friday night, John added: “I wanted to help him in some way and offered him a job, but he’s alcohol dependent.

“He needs professional help and he called me today and I dropped him at a detox centre where he’s volunteered to go in for three weeks.”

READ MORE: Hero homeless man stands in freezing rain for hours to guard cash left in car at Glasgow court

James has been overwhelmed by a campaign that has now seen more than £13,000 raised for him.

John, who owns McMonagles Boat fish and chip restaurant in Clydebank, was touched by the act and set up a GoFundMe page to initially raise £5,000 for James.

The target was quickly passed with the total continuing to grow over £13,000.

READ MORE: Fundraiser for Glasgow’s ‘homeless hero’ reaches £5,000 with those most in need also set to benefit

John said: “It’s been absolutely breathtaking, it really has. What James did was incredible.”

Excess funds from the online drive are to go to homeless charities and support networks to help more people.

Click here to donate.