Key Points
- Thomas Craig, 48, from East Renfrewshire, attacked two strangers with a broken bottle on a train near Larbert station on 16 February 2024.
- Craig convicted at Glasgow High Court on 28 November 2025 of assault to severe injury and attempted murder.
- Sentenced on 12 January 2026 to 12 years in prison plus three years supervision by Lord Arthurson.
- Attack described as “appallingly violent” and “wholly murderous”, triggered by minor disagreement after heavy drinking and cocaine use.
- Victims Aaron Nelson and Glen Lennon suffered severe injuries, including a chest wound near the heart and significant blood loss.
Larbert (Glasgow Express) February 7, 2026 – A man faces court appearance following a violent disturbance near a city centre train station that escalated into a brutal bottle attack on a passenger train.
Thomas Craig launched the assault on two young men during a journey from Glasgow towards Perth, smashing a bottle and stabbing the victims in a frenzied attack captured on CCTV footage.
What triggered the violent train attack?
According to reporting by ITV News, the incident began over a minor disagreement on the evening of 16 February 2024, with Craig having consumed alcohol for several hours and cocaine beforehand. He pursued Aaron Nelson down the carriage, breaking the bottle on his head before striking his neck, as detailed in court by Lord Arthurson at Glasgow High Court.
As reported by Evening Standard, Craig then turned on Glen Lennon, who intervened to help his friend, inflicting nine forceful blows to the chest and neck in what the judge termed a wholly murderous assault. Lennon suffered a wound near his heart and lost more than two litres of blood.
How did authorities respond to the incident?
British Transport Police released CCTV showing Craig changing out of his blood-stained jumper into a clean hoodie after the attack, before officers boarded the train. Detective Inspector Marc Francey of BTP described Craig’s actions as despicable and thuggish, noting the panic among passengers.
What injuries did the victims sustain?
The judiciary.scot sentencing remarks confirm both victims endured assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, and danger of life, with one requiring urgent medical intervention from a nurse passenger on board.
What was the court’s sentencing decision?
On 12 January 2026, Lord Arthurson imposed an extended sentence of 12 years custody and three years supervision, emphasising the gravity of the offences on a busy inter-city train. He stated members of the public have every right to travel safely without fear of such behaviour.
The judge highlighted the aggravating factor of the attack occurring on public transport, fuelled by drugs and alcohol, terrifying all on board.
