Robber jailed after spraying victim with corrosive liquid during tussle
A thief who sprayed a man in Eyemouth with ammonia while robbing him of a fuel card has been jailed for 22 months.
According to his solicitor, Ross Swalwell - from Ashington in Northumberland - was intoxicated at the time of the incident, and "desperate for money to buy more drugs".
Selkirk Sheriff Court today (Monday) heard he initially demanded the man hand over his wallet and, when he was told he had no money, Swalwell began searching his pockets.
The incident unfolded in Renton Terrace, near the centre of the seaside town, on September 30th, 2023.
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India McLean, prosecuting, said the man being robbed tried to get away but he was pursued by Swalwell, who took his fuel card.
A tussle ensued, and Swalwell sprayed the corrosive substance in his victim's eyes and face - leaving him numb and in pain.
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Police later caught up with him and Swalwell pled guilty to a charge of assault to severe injury and robbery.
The court heard he had ammonia in his possession for mixing crack cocaine and had already served 228 days in custody.
Sentence was backdated to October the 4th, when he was first remanded.
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