Robber left shopkeeper partially blind after spraying ammonia in his face

A robber who left a shop worker partially blind after spraying ammonia in his face in Glasgow is to be jailed.

Colin McKay attacked the man on August 16 last year after initially going into the U Save store in Springburn, claiming he wanted to buy an iPhone charger.

The victim has been left with severely restricted vision in one eye following the incident.

McKay – who was on two bail orders at the time – was caught after also ending up in hospital with a chemical injury from the splashes of ammonia.

He pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault and robbery during a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday and is due to be sentenced in June.

CCTV of the incident was played in court.

McKay had been in the shop briefly that Saturday evening before returning with a top on and his hood up.

He asked at the counter about an iPhone charger, was handed one, then gave it back when told the cost.

The robber asked what he could purchase for 50p before returning with a packet of crisps.

Prosecutor Tracey Brown then explained: “When the shop worker opened the till, McKay pulled out a bottle of household ammonia from a pocket of his shorts and was seen to spray the man with the contents.

“While spraying liquid in his face, McKay reached forward and attempted to take cash from the till drawer.”

The injured shop worker managed to shove the McKay away before he fled, clutching a small amount of money, the phone charger and some food items.

Another customer who was in the shop went to help the victim and also dialled 999.

McKay was later identified as a suspect, and police went to his flat in Springburn. He was not there, but officers found a bottle of “Knockout” household ammonia.

It emerged McKay was instead in the city’s Royal Infirmary with a rash consistent with having a reaction to a chemical substance.

The court heard the victim needed urgent treatment for both his eyes following the attack. He has been left with a third of his usual vision on the left side, and it is unknown if full sight will return.

McKay already had previous convictions for violence, disorder, breach of bail and weapons.

Lord Young continued his remand in custody as sentencing was adjourned until June 3 in Edinburgh.

McKay smiled and joked with another man in the public benches as he was taken back to the cells.