Robber who left shopkeeper partially blind after spraying ammonia in his face jailed

A robber who left a shop worker partially blind after spraying ammonia in his face in Glasgow has been jailed for seven years.

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.

A judge told McKay at the High Court in Edinburgh: “The effect of your actions has been devastating for your victim.”

Lord Young said: “You plead guilty to a charge of a very serious assault and robbery. Your actions were caught on CCTV which was played to me in court.”

The judge said that in sentencing McKay he not only had to punish him but also seek to deter others who might be contemplating using chemicals in attacks.

Lord Young ordered that McKay should be under supervision in the community for a further three years when he will be on licence and can be returned to jail if he breaches its conditions.

The judge told McKay: “You are currently assessed as presenting a very high risk of further offending.”

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.

Defence solicitor advocate Ross Yuill said McKay had “very little recollection” of the events because of his state of intoxication with drugs.

McKay, who spent heavily on drugs, said the ammonia was used to crystalize cocaine powder and produce crack cocaine.

Mr Yuill said: “He completely lost his way and that spiral led to what, in his words, was desperation to try to get money.

He said that after the robber was shown footage of the attack he felt guilt and shame.

Lord Young made a non harassment order prohibiting McKay from contacting or attempting to contact his victim indefinitely.