A terrifying attack on a Scottish train has left two men seriously injured and shaken passengers, as the perpetrator has now been convicted of attempted murder and serious assault.
The incident unfolded on February 16 last year aboard a service traveling between Glasgow Queen Street and Perth, when Thomas Craig, 48, launched a violent assault with a glass bottle.
CCTV Captures Moment of Violence
Footage from the carriage shows Craig leaping from his seat, grimacing, and wielding a bottle of Buckfast as he targeted one of the passengers.
He struck the man repeatedly over the head until the bottle shattered, leaving the attacker holding the jagged remains in his hand.
The victim tried to flee, but Craig pursued him relentlessly, striking again until the bottle broke. A friend of the first victim then attempted to intervene and suffered multiple blows, including stabs from the broken bottle’s neck.
Attempt to Cover Up and Escape
After the assault, Craig returned to his seat, threw the remaining piece of the bottle, and pocketed a victim’s phone.
CCTV later showed him swapping his blood-soaked jumper for a clean hoodie before police arrived.
Officers and paramedics met the train at Larbert railway station, where both men were treated and rushed to hospital.
One victim suffered life-threatening injuries, including a stab wound near the heart, a collapsed lung, and a severed artery that caused him to lose around 15% of his blood.
Court Hears Harrowing Account
During a four-day trial at Glasgow High Court, prosecutors outlined how Craig had been intoxicated and had instigated the attack after a minor verbal dispute with passengers sitting across the aisle.
Within minutes, what started as a confrontation escalated into a brutal assault with life-threatening consequences.
Police Condemn the Attack
BTP Detective Inspector Marc Francey described Craig’s actions as “truly despicable,” noting the danger posed not just to the victims but to all passengers aboard the train.
He praised the paramedics for their life-saving intervention and emphasized that such violence on public transport is utterly unacceptable.
Inspector Francey added:
“His indiscriminate and thuggish actions could have resulted in far more severe consequences.
We will relentlessly pursue offenders like Craig to ensure they face justice.”
Verdict and Justice
On November 28, Craig was found guilty of attempted murder and serious assault.
The conviction brings a measure of closure to the victims after the harrowing attack, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and safety measures on public transport.
A Sobering Reminder
This shocking incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks of unchecked violence and the importance of rapid intervention by authorities and emergency services.
While passengers endured fear and chaos that day, the swift work of police and paramedics ensured the worst outcomes were avoided.
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