Lashed out with knife

A brazen man armed with a knife sprayed liquid in his victim’s face during an attempted robbery in Airdrie.

Franceso Daguanno lashed out with the blade but, fortunately, didn’t make contact.

His victim, whose vision was blurred, managed to escape to a neighbour’s home and raise the alarm.

Daguanno, 29, appeared from custody via video link at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

He admitted assaulting the man with intent to rob him in Loch Road, Chapelhall, on June 20 last year.

Daguanno was on bail at the time of the attack.

The terrifying incident happened around 5am. The victim stayed with his grandfather, who was asleep in bed at the time.

The victim and a male friend spotted Daguanno, whom they knew from school, walking up the driveway carrying a holdall.

They went outside and realised he was holding a large knife.

Lauren Cole, prosecuting, said:“the victim told him to go but Daguanno held up a can of an unknown substance and sprayed it in his eyes.

“He then lashed out with the knife, but failed to make contact.

“The victim’s vision was blurred as a result. He ran into the back garden, pursued by Daguanno who continued to brandish the knife at him.

“The victim grabbed a pole to defend himself and Daguanno then struck the rear door with the knife, shouting,‘get me f ****** money, get my money out’.

“The victim managed to make his way to the nearby home of his friend’s partner and the police were contacted.

“Daguanno was traced the following day in Main Street, Chapelhall.”

Sheriff Petra Collins expressed concern at Daguanno’s record.

In 2012 he and another youth were each locked up for four years for three armed robberies at shops in Airdrie.

Daguanno also has a conviction from 2019 that featured the use of an open blade razor.

Defence agent Nicky Matteo said his client has mental health issues.

Sentence was deferred until next month and Daguanno was remanded in custody.