A Coatbridge thug has been jailed for 16 months after throwing a pot of bleach over a man.
Martin McKenzie had gone looking for the 55-year-old victim’s son, Airdrie Sheriff Court was told.
Instead he left the householder needing hospital treatment for badly blistered skin.
McKenzie, 23, admitted assault to severe injury in Aitkenhead Avenue, Coatbridge, on March 10 while on three separate bail orders.
The court heard the attack happened at the victim’s home about 3am.
Sarah Healing, prosecuting, said: “The victim was in bed when he heard a knock at the front door.
“He thought his son had forgotten his keys, but when he answered the door, McKenzie was there.
“He asked to see the son and the victim said his son was not at home.
“It transpired that the son was in the house, though his dad didn’t know that.
“McKenzie then produced a pot containing liquid which he threw at the victim, striking him on the chest with the liquid.
“The man immediately felt a burning sensation and smelled bleach.
“The victim’s son, who was in the living room, heard his dad screaming in pain and saw McKenzie running away.”
The victim washed the bleach off as best he could and applied cream.
He was taken to hospital where burns to his chest were cleaned and dressed.
Ms Healing added: “Fortunately, he has made a good recovery and there is no scarring.
“Police officers went to McKenzie’s flat, which was near the victim’s home.
“There was a puddle of water in the close and a strong smell of bleach.
“McKenzie was lying face down in his hallway, apparently asleep, with a pot beside him.”
Defence lawyer Simon Gilmour said McKenzie’s home had been vandalised and he’d been threatened.
He believed the victim was one of those responsible.
The solicitor added: “He went to the house after taking drugs and alcohol.”
McKenzie’s 16-month jail term was backdated as he has been in custody since his arrest in March.
That means, under early release rules, he is likely to be freed next month.
He will then be under a six-month supervision order.
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