A man in Wishaw had petrol thrown in his face by a gang who turned up at his flat in search of drugs. The victim, temporarily blinded by the liquid, managed to convince the thugs that they had targeted the wrong person. In Hamilton Sheriff Court, William McAslan, 19, from Bridgeton, Glasgow, confessed to forcing entry into the flat with unknown accomplices and assaulting the victim with intent to rob him.
The incident took place on Overtown Road on 12th May last year while McAslan was on bail for another offence. The victim, aged 20, encountered four individuals outside his flat around 11 pm. They forcibly entered the flat, removed the door from its hinges, seized the man, and poured a liquid into his eyes, which was later identified as petrol or diesel. The intruders demanded drugs, shouting, “Where is the green?” despite the victim’s protests that he wasn’t the intended target. After realising their mistake, the thugs left, and the victim, temporarily blinded, was taken to the hospital for treatment.
McAslan’s sentencing was deferred for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment by Sheriff Michael Higgins, who highlighted the seriousness of the incident and the distress caused to the victim.
The Lanarkshire Live app provides up-to-date news from the region, including features, sports, and updates on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the pandemic. Readers can customise their news feed and stay informed 24/7. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with drug-related criminal activities and the impact it has on individuals and communities.
In summary, the harrowing ordeal faced by the victim in Wishaw sheds light on the risks and consequences of drug-related violence. The swift actions of the victim in de-escalating the situation and the legal proceedings following the incident demonstrate the importance of tackling such crimes in society. The support and attention given to local news outlets and law enforcement agencies help raise awareness and accountability in ensuring justice and safety for all.