Teen admits brandishing a knife during a visit to McDonalds in Gallowgate
A knife-wielding teen demanded cash from a McDonalds employee claiming his mum was dying.
A knife-wielding teen demanded cash from a McDonalds employee claiming his mum was dying. David Brownlie, 19, presented a knife at Sharon Scott, who was working at the Gallowgate restaurant and repeatedly asked for money. He was confronted by the mother of another worker and told “if you think you’re a big man, throw the knife away” and branded his behaviour an “absolute disgrace”. He was held by security and later arrested. Brownlie, from Tollcross, Glasgow, pled guilty to assaulting Sharon Scott, presenting a knife at her and demanding money with intent to rob. Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Brownlie was seen at the till area by Miss Scott, 37, bare chested and initially thought he was complaining and wanted a refund. Procurator fiscal depute John Bedford said when she went to see what was going on, Brownlie shouted “I want your money”. Miss Scott called on a colleague for assistance and noticed Brownlie had a knife in his hand. She later told police she was “quite worried” about the blade. Mr Bedford said: “She opened the till however the till was empty.” He said there was children in the restaurant at the time when Brownlie was repeating his demands shouting “Gie's the money my maw is dying”. Two security guards from the nearby Forge shopping centre came into the McDonalds and Brownlie saying “What the f*** yous two going to do?”. The court heard another employee’s mother who was in the shop confronted the teenager and said: “You think you’re a big man just cause you’ve got a knife, scaring all the young lassies, there’s kids in here and you’re bringing out a knife, absolute disgrace. “If you think you’re a big man throw the knife away.” He was then held by security until nearby police arrived and he was taken to the police station. Defence lawyer Gordon Buchanan said his client was “ashamed” and although his mum has suffered a brain injury, doesn’t rely on that as an excuse and doesn’t know why he said what he did. Sheriff Sam Cathcart deferred sentence until later this month and Brownlie was remanded in custody.