TWO thugs who brandished a knife and tried to rob a brave woman who fought back against them were jailed for 24 months.

Jonathan McHugh, 25, and Robert McCann, 24, pounced on Nicola Black in Glasgow city centre in June this year, and made off with her rucksack.

But, she chased after the pair and despite being assaulted managed to grab her bag back.

The pair pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assault and attempted robbery.

McCann also admitted having a lock back knife.

McHugh, of the city’s Maryhill, was given 15 months while McCann was sentenced to nine months for his part by Sheriff Joan Kerr.

The court heard Miss Black was approached by her attackers before midnight on Union Street.

McCann threw an item at Miss Black who responded by making a comment.

McHugh pointed a knife at her and made a slashing motion with it, before grabbing her rucksack.

Prosecutor Adele MacDonald told the court that McCann aimed four jumping kicks at Miss Black who fell to the ground.

She managed to get up and tailed the thugs and grabbed back the rucksack.

Miss MacDonald said: “She was dragged to the ground by McHugh and then dragged along the ground while she held on to the rucksack.”

The pair eventually ran off leaving Miss Black on the ground.

McHugh later discarded the blade but the pair were picked up by police who had watched the events unfold on CCTV.

A small silver-locking knife was found inside one of McCann’s shoes when he was searched in the police station.

Miss MacDonald said: “McCann denied any knowledge and claimed it was planted there by police.”

Lawyer Paul Mullen, defending first offender McHugh, said: “He didn’t think he could behave like this.

“He was disappointed with his behaviour and he is ashamed, his actions were entirely unacceptable and inexcusable.”

Lawyer Graeme Brown, defending McCann, said he no longer insinuates that the knife was put in his shoe by officers.