Shopkeeper hurt in raid pleased about conviction
A SHOPKEEPER hacked with a machete in a robbery bid has welcomed his attackers’ conviction and admitted he remains traumatised.
Tahir Ahmed, known as Joe to friends and customers, valiantly tried to fend off his attacks in the incident back in December 2015.
But the two attempted robbers left the 55-year-old with a fractured skull following their failed heist at his A&A newsagent in Edinburgh.
Liam McMeechan and David Allan admitted their roles in the raid at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday.
Mr Ahmed, a shopkeeper for 30 years, is now constantly on high alert.
He said: “I’m glad they’ve pleaded guilty, this has left a mark on my life.
“When I’m in the shop, I’m always looking out for something or someone.
“It’s taken a long time to get to this stage but I’m glad that it’s done and they’ve pleaded guilty.
“It all happened quickly.
“He started hitting me straight away without asking for money. I could see the weapon, I was thinking I was going to die as I was getting hit over the head with it.”
McMeechan, so 23, pleaded guilty to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and attempted robbery. Allan, 50, admitted assault and attempted robbery.
It was McMeechan who attacked Mr Ahmed with the machete before both men tried to steal cash from the store.
The pair fled after Mr Ahmed fought back. He was treated in hospital for a fractured skull and cuts to his head.
He added: “I want to get on with my life but it does affect me still. I have headaches and am still taking painkillers.
“My family come in and make sure I’m okay and we have had CCTV put in the shop. I have to work, I can’t just stay at home.
“There seems to be more of this type of thing happening – I don’t know whether it’s because people are desperate.”