Convicted killer pleads guilty to throwing acid at man

A CONVICTED killer carried out an acid attack on a man he once sold a dog to.

Thomas Charnley hurled liquid from a jar at Daniel Duffy, 38, in a supermarket in Viewpark, North Lanarkshire.

The victim needed a large amount of cold water poured over him as his skin began to burn and blister.

Charnley fled after the April attack, which was captured on CCTV.

But, the 44 year-old was later held and is now back behind bars after he pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Duffy to his severe injury.

Prosecutors believe the substance used was sulphuric acid or similar liquid.

Charnley was previously jailed for murder in 1997 after he battered a man to death in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

The attack occurred as both Charnley and Mr Duffy were in the Scotmid Store in Viewpark separately.

Charnley was clutching a darkcoloured jar – and threw its contents at the victim as they met in an aisle.

Mr Duffy initially managed to grapple with Charnley as shocked workers looked on.

But, staff had to come to his aid when the effect of the acid took hold.

The High Court in Glasgow heard he soon had blisters on his head and neck before the victim went “into shock”.

Ronnie Renucci, defending, said Charnley had sold a dog to Mr Duffy two years ago.

They then had not been in contact until a couple of weeks before the attack.

The QC told the court there was an issue between the men including apparent threats being made to Charnley and his partner.

The judge deferred sentencing for reports.