SNS GroupA man was left with severe sight issues after being squirted in the face with ammonia.
Cairen Brown attacked the victim amid claims he had once assaulted the 23-year-old’s cousin.
The man was left with injuries following the incident at a flat in Dumfries last September 18.
He is now described as “legally blind”, meaning his vision remains badly affected by his ordeal.
Brown admitted assaulting the man to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment at a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.
He faces a lengthy jail term when he is sentenced next month.
The victim had initially been in a taxi with a friend of Brown that day.
They stopped outside this man’s flat. He then told the victim that Brown was inside and “wanted to speak” to him.
The victim went inside and was almost immediately confronted by Brown, who alleged the assault of his relative.
Prosecutor Adrian Stalker went on to explain: “Brown was holding a clear plastic juice bottle which contained a colourless liquid.
“He squeezed it, squirting the liquid into [the victim’s] eyes, mouth and face.
“He slapped Brown before turning and running from the building.”
On getting back to the taxi, he felt his vision was blurred, his skin burning and that he was going to choke. The victim’s face was also swollen.
The taxi driver rushed him to the hospital, where medics found he was suffering from first-degree “chemical burns” having been struck with a “strong alkaline”.
This was later found to be ammonia.
The victim initially required hourly treatment, and there was found to be “significant damage” to both eyes.
He was discharged after a fortnight in hospital, but was examined again a month later.
Mr Stalker said: “He was assessed as being severely sight-impaired and legally blind.”
Brown had also faced an accusation that he also struck the victim with a knife, which was deleted prior to the guilty plea.
Mr Stalker said Brown had previous offences for violence, weapons, threats and stalking. He was also on bail at the time.
Brown was jailed for a domestic assault in February this year.
Lord Renucci continued his remand in custody as sentencing was adjourned for reports.
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