Victim recognised stocking mask robber

An ARMED robber donned a see-through disguise to stage a raid on a shop that left his victim thinking it was a joke, as he recognised him as a regular customer.

Scott McMillan pulled a stocking over his face before walking into the store and demanding money from shopkeeper Eldho Vattakkattiel.

Advocate depute Stephen O’Rourke told the High Court in Edinburgh: “The victim recognised the accused as a regular customer and therefore initially thought it was a joke.

“It was only when the accused produced a large knife and walked behind the counter and threatened him that he realised it was a robbery.”

McMillan, 26, was handed cash from the till, but realised there was more money still in it and said he would stab Mr Vattakkattiel if it was not handed over.

Defence solicitor advocate Jack Brown said McMillan, who has previous convictions for assault and robbery, had spent two days taking drink and drugs and had no recollection of events.

Mr Brown said the robber was “genuinely remorseful” for what had happened.

He said the disguise adopted by unemployed McMillan for the armed raid was “farcical”.

McMillan, of Edzell Street, Dundee, admitted assaulting Mr Vattakkattiel on 29 January this year at Rachu’s shop in Victoria Road, by entering the premises with his face masked, demanding money, brandishing a knife, threatening to stab him and robbing him of £295.

McMillan will be sentenced next month. He was remanded in custody.