A youth who threw petrol in a man’s face during a row over drugs has avoided a custodial sentence.
William McAslan and his accomplices had turned up at a flat in Wishaw looking for cannabis.
The victim was temporarily blinded by the liquid but was spared further injury when he persuaded the thugs that he wasn’t the person they were after.
McAslan, 19, of Bridgeton, Glasgow, was placed under supervision for 18 months at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week. He must also do 180 hours of unpaid community work.
He admitted that, while acting with unknown others, he forced entry to the flat and assaulted the victim with intent to rob him.
The incident happened in Overtown Road on May 12 last year. McAslan was on bail for another matter at the time.
Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, told the court: “The complainer, who is aged 20, saw four individuals outside his flat about 11pm.
“They pushed the door open and removed it from its hinges.
“The man was seized and the accused McAslan threw a liquid into his eyes. The complainer could smell petrol or diesel.
“The intruders were shouting ‘Where is the green? Where is the green?’.
“The complainer was trying to explain he was not the person they appeared to have an issue with.
“The four kept demanding cannabis but when it transpired the complainer was not the right person they left.
“The victim could not see for a while. His eyes were red and he was taken to hospital. His eyes were washed and his visibility returned to normal.”
McAslan’s lawyer pointed out that the first offender was only 17 at the time, adding: “There have been no offences since.
“He has obtained full time employment that has helped to keep him out of trouble.”
Sheriff Michael Higgins said the crime “crosses the custodial threshold” but he took into account McAslan’s age and the sentencing guidelines relating to young people.
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