TWO thugs went on a spree of drunken violence so terrifying they forced two shopworkers to lock themselves in a room for safety and a police officer to push his panic button.

Declan Gallagher, 22, and Craig Cannon, 35, have finally been jailed for two separate attacks a year ago in Dumbarton and Clydebank.

On September 3, 2016 a group of youths and others went to the Nisa store in Mountblow Road, Clydebank, and asked to see CCTV footage relating to damage to a car.

The employee asked them to come back when the manager was in, and when they returned, Gallagher and Cannon were obviously under the influence.

Cannon pushed over a stand and started picking up items and throwing them around. A till toppled over and cans and bottles of alcohol were thrown at the two members of staff.

They pushed a panic button and then retreated to a store room and barred the door to protect themselves, Dumbarton Sheriff Court heardlast week.

Cannon and Gallagher, both of Clydebank, made off with alcohol and later, at around 4.35am, police on patrol in Bonhill Road in Dumbarton saw the pair.

When they were approached by police officers, Gallagher headbutted one of the officers and Cannon ran at him, throwing punches at the constable’s face.

Other units were requested but Cannon continued to punch the PC, forcing him to press his emergency assistance button.

After a number of hearings, the pair pleaded guilty to assaulting the shopkeepers, robbing them of alcohol, treating them and causing them to take refuge. They also admitted the assault of the officer in Poindfauld Terrace, Dumbarton.

Last week, Gallagher’s defence solicitor said her client, of Brunswick House, went “off the rails” after his mother died of cancer months earlier.

She said when confronted with personal tragedy and challenges, Gallagher has used substances as a “crutch”.

The lawyer said: “He was still struggling to cope with his grief and that’s clearly reflected in his behaviour. This is merely an explanation.

“He accepts his behaviour was wholly unacceptable and he does take full responsibility for that.

“He is in a much better place in his life. He has a young child, his partner’s father has taken him under his wing after his step father made him homeless after the death of his mother.”

She added: “He has packed his bag and come to court. He is very realistic that custody will be at the forefront of your lordship’s mind. He does show a genuine desire to change his behaviour.”

The solicitor representing Cannon, of Dunn Street, said his client had a criminal record that did him no credit.

He said: “He has little recollection of the events. Clearly a routine matter escalated out of all proportions.

“He is working with the Alternatives programme and is trying to remain drug free.”

Sheriff William Gallacher told the pair the offences were “utterly unacceptable”.

He blasted: “The fact the staff tried to hide in a room to get away from the level of violence in front of them was beyond anything acceptable, with no regard for other people trying to do their jobs.

“In each case, you have convictions involving public disorder, offences involving weapons, damage to other people’s property – it seems to me clear you have no interest in other people or their business.”

Both men were jailed for a total of 66 weeks.

Cannon, who posted on social media the day before the hearing, “will be away for a while catch yous all later troops”, smiled and saluted supporters as he was led away.