Killer who carried out acid attack is jailed for four years

A CONVICTED killer who carried out an acid attack on a man in a supermarket has been jailed for four years and five months.

Thomas Charnley, 44, hurled liquid from a jar at 38-year-old Daniel Duffy in a supermarket in Viewpark, North Lanarkshire in April this year.

His victim, who Charnley claimed had threatened him and his partner, suffered blisters to his skin as the toxic liquid began to burn.

Charnley fled after the attack which was captured on CCTV.

At the High Court in Glasgow Charnley admitted assaulting Mr Duffy to his severe injury.

Jailing him, judge Lord Burns told Charnley: “This was a bad attack on a man in a public place with acid. It is fortunate he was not more seriously injured.

“I consider you pose a serious risk of harm to the public.”

Lord Burns ordered Charnley to be monitored in the community for three years after his release from prison.”

Charnley waved to family and friends as he was led away to the cells.

Prosecutors believe the substance used in the horrific attack was sulphuric acid or a similar liquid.

The court heard he threw the acid over Mr Duffy as they both shopped in the Scotmid Store in Viewpark.

Charnley who was clutching a dark-coloured jar, threw its contents at Mr Duffy as they met in an aisle.

Ronnie Renucci QC, 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.

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