Ross Barratt, 44, left an Aldi employee scarred for life after she was knifed by the thug, who demanded she open the till in a bid to get his hands on some cash
A knife-wielding thug was pursued by courageous supermarket staff after he stabbed a female cashier.
Ross Barratt attacked the Aldi store in Glasgow’s Cardonald in a desperate attempt to steal cash on March 4 last year. A 42-year-old employee was left permanently scarred after being stabbed by the 44-year-old, who demanded she open the cash register.
When Barratt failed to secure any money, he fled from the shop located on Paisley Road West. However, two brave employees decided to confront the armed assailant and chased him on foot. A passer-by, driving with his two sons, stopped to assist in apprehending the robber.
The Aldi workers hopped into the car, and along with the father and his sons, they managed to track down Barratt after a short drive. One of the sons testified that he remembered “a verbal altercation” in the street and Barratt wearing what appeared to be an orange Rangers top, reports Glasgow Live.
Barratt, described as “aggressive”, was heard saying: “Let’s have it.” However, he managed to escape again before the men resumed their pursuit, following him to a tower block at Tinwald Path, approximately half a mile away from the Aldi store.
The son recalled: “One of the Aldi workers got out, ran across the road and followed the guy up an alleyway to some high-rise flats.” Barratt managed to disappear into one of the flats.
Police arrived at the scene and followed a trail of blood after Barratt injured himself while escaping from the shop. A man was found drenched in blood by police officers after they broke into a sixth-floor flat.
It later transpired that the man, Barratt, had assaulted Samuel Love, the flat’s resident. Recounting the chilling encounter, PC Gary Hutchinson reported: “A male walked towards and appeared covered in blood.”
“He had quite a laceration across his face. He was calm with us, but appeared shaken. It was clear something had happened.”
Following these events, Barratt was apprehended in connection with not only the attack but also a burglary at an Aldi store. During the trial, Barratt confessed to attempted robbery, assault, exhibiting threatening conduct, and carrying a knife, although he rejected any attempt to murder Mr Love.
But today, he has been found guilty of assaulting Mr Love, causing severe injury, permanent disfigurement, and jeopardising his life. The jury determined he was provoked during the incident.
After the judgment, Kath Harper KC, the prosecutor, disclosed Barratt’s history of over 40 past convictions for violent acts, dishonesty, and drug offences. Barratt has been held in custody by Judge Alistair Watson, awaiting sentencing next month.
Judge Watson gravely addressed Barratt: “These are self-evidently extremely serious matters. The court has to consider what level of risk you may pose in the future.
“It is clear you are a man who has had difficulty with drugs. I will be interested to get a fuller picture of the person you are and what lead you to this desperate situation.”