A MAN who threatened to kill Glasgow City Council leader Gordon Matheson while wielding a samurai sword has been ordered to keep away from politicians.

David Wardrop, 29, asked to speak with Mr Matheson at reception of the City Chambers in Glasgow while holding the three-foot-long bladed weapon.

Staff asked him if he had an appointment, to which he replied "justice". When questioned what he meant, he said "just justice".

They then noticed the sword, which had been partly obscured by Wardrop's leg. He was told he could not be in the ­building with it and was asked to leave.

A concerned receptionist followed him into the street and asked him to hand over the weapon, which he did, then called police to the building.

When officers arrived, Wardrop told them of his intention "to assassinate the leader of the City Chambers".

Labour politician Mr Matheson was elected as the leader of Glasgow City Council in May 2010.

Wardrop, from Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to breaching the peace and having the weapon on him on June 2, 2014.

Sheriff Joseph Platt handed him a community payback order with a number of conditions, including that he will be supervised for three years and must work with a doctor to improve his mental health.

The sheriff also ordered that Wardrop must not approach or contact, or attempt to approach or contact any elected council member.