A VIOLENT thug who held his neighbour hostage could be facing a life sentence.

Alan Clark pounced on his victim at a flat in Paisley, on July 24, 2021.

The terrifying attack saw the 48-year-old restraining the man, binding his ankles with a cable before escaping with loot including his phone, watch and car.

Clark - who also did not have a licence - fled in the vehicle before smashing into a fence.

Clark was convicted of the crimes following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was found guilty of abduction, assault and robbery as well as careless driving and other road traffic offences.

After the verdicts, prosecutor Shanti Maguire revealed Clark already had 49 previous convictions including violence and drug crimes.

Judge William Gallacher remarked: "He has one of the worst criminal records I have ever seen."

He then raised the possibility of eventually imposing an Order for Lifelong Restriction, which would see Clark behind bars until he is deemed safe to be freed.

Judge Gallacher told Clark: "You are a habitual criminal. You have offended against the community for years, verging on decades.

"Your behaviour was utterly reprehensible. I look at your record with some concern.

"I will be considering whether you merit release at all."

The case was initially adjourned until next month.

Clark started ranting about different lawyers as he was led handcuffed back to the cells.

Jurors heard how the robbery also saw the thug pin his victim on a bed and rifle his pockets.

He also forced the man to give him the passcode for his phone and warned him not to contact police.

As well as the mobile, car and watch, he escaped with tobacco, keys, a hat and a top.

Clark struck having flouted four separate bail orders imposed by sheriffs in Dumbarton and Paisley.