Glasgow Necropolis: A mugger's lair

He confronted the 37-year-old in a quiet part of the cemetery and told her to hand over all her cash.

She had been in Glasgow as part of a journey to Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.

Mr Murphy said she became suspicious after Barbour walked past her and bent down to tie his shoelaces.

"She heard a sound like a grunt and turned to face the accused, who had a large knife in his hand.

"She immediately was very afraid. He told her to give him all her money," added Mr Murphy.

High on heroin

Five days later he cornered French computing science graduate, Helene Bogushevitsu, with a seven-inch blade.

Mr Murphy said he stole cash and a camera from her but handed back her passport.

Iain Donaldson, defending, said Barbour was sorry for his actions, which were carried out while he was hooked on heroin.

But the judge, Lady Paton, said she had to send Barbour to jail.

"It must have been terrifying for your victims," she said. "The offences involved a lethal weapon and you preyed on innocent tourists visiting the city."