Addict jailed for needle muggi

By: watches2010 Mood: Date: 02/01/2010 02:53:33 Music: None

A DRUG addict mugger who used a blood-filled syringe and a knife to terrify four women has been jailed for six years.

Thomas McGrattan, 30, admitted robbing three victims of their purses, handbags and cash, and attempting to rob another in Glasgow city centre on February 28 this year.

The High Court in Glasgow was told one of his victim's, Catherine Niven, was so traumatised she now suffers panic attacks, anxiety and stress-related infections.

Ms Niven was crossing Bath Street with a friend when McGrattan staggered towards them with a craft knife in his hand, the blade out fully, and demanded her bag.

As the women ran towards a nearby parked taxi he shouted: "Don't even think about getting into that taxi. I'll kill you."

As Catherine got into the cab McGrattan repeatedly jabbed her on the buttocks and thighs.

McGrattan then robbed two women of their cash as they walked to Sainsbury's supermarket near Buchanan Galleries for groceries.

When one of the victims said she didn't "have her purse he said LEDFlexible Strip Crystal Series: Crystal 3528 he didn't believe it and brandished an uncapped syringe, threatening to stab her.

The last attack happened at 3.15am as two female students were walking along Cathedral Street at Strathclyde University.

McGrattan threatened one of them with a syringe and she gave him her bag, but a young man came to her aid and pushed him away, scattering the contents of his bag on the pavement.

The women told a university security officer and took him to the spot where he recovered a sheathed syringe filled with blood.

McGrattan's DNA was found on the syringe and he was arrested seven weeks later.

Lord Hardie told McGrattan, whose address was given as c/o Barlinnie Prison, his offences were "appalling".

He added: "Because of the risk of infection a syringe is a terrifying weapon and you used it without any qualms when you sought a few pounds from these victims."

McGrattan is to be supervised for four years after his release.