A THUG who attacked an elderly shopkeeper before trying to carjack a mum and toddler was finally collared sleeping rough in Leeds.

During a drunken rampage Derek Bootland first grabbed a 79-year-old by the neck in an unprovoked attack.

He then terrified a young mum by trying to get into her car as she sat at the wheel with her two-year-old child in the back.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Bootland then fled to England to stay with a friend before eventually ending up on the streets.

He was spotted by cops, arrested and brought back to Glasgow.

The 24-year-old's defence brief told the court: "He has little recollection of it.

"He was shocked and embarrassed by his conduct and was taken aback due to the nature of the charges involving the shopkeeper and charge three [involving the car].

"He simply can't offer any explanation and doesn't understand why he would do what he did."

Bootland was with three pals around noon on April 21, 2017, when they entered U Save Stores on Govan Road.

The elderly shopkeeper tried to leave the store when Bootland seized him by the throat and a struggle broke out.

Another shopworker pressed a panic alarm, which called for police who checked CCTV and noticed Bootland's "distinct appearance."

Meanwhile, Bootland approached the car of his second victim, who was with her toddler, and repeatedly tried to force his way into the vehicle.

The terrified woman drove off before calling cops.

Police spotted him running away from the scene and brought him to the ground before he was handcuffed and detained.

While on bail he went to live in Leeds and was finally traced sleeping rough.

Bootland's defence lawyer added: "He is all too aware that due to his record the court will be minded to impose a custodial sentence.

"He developed a quite considerable dependency on alcohol and street Valium and that has impacted on his health.

"He has had no further offending since August and has stopped drinking.

"He went to stay with a friend in Leeds then was sleeping on the streets.

"He did originally comply with the compiler of the reports."

Sheriff Shona Gilroy said: "Shameful behaviour here.

"What this [criminal justice social work] report is telling me is that it is all down to alcohol and you need help to get out of the cycle of offending.

"I am going to impose a Community Payback Order on you.

"You have to understand that this is a direct alternative to custody.

"If you are telling me you haven't drunk for four months I will leave alcohol counselling to the discretion of you social worker but you must abide by what they tell you.

"These offences are bad. Really bad."

Sheriff Gilroy sentenced Bootland to a Community Payback Order under supervision for 12 months.

He was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work within three months.