Shopkeeper threatened with axe after Buckfast snub

A THUG threatened a shop worker with an axe after being told the store did not sell Buckfast tonic wine.

File picture: Toby Williams

Sean McLoughlin, 23, was jailed for 16 months at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday after admitting assaulting 43-year old Ruari Campbell on November 29 last year at Londis in Niddrie Mains Road.

The court heard that McLoughlin, a prisoner at Saughton, entered the shop around 4.30pm that Sunday.

Fiscal Depute Graeme Jessop told Sheriff John Beckett QC: “He asked for Buckfast, but was told by Mr Campbell they didn’t sell that kind of alcohol.”

McLoughlin then grabbed a bottle of vodka and tried to flee, only to be stopped by Mr Campbell. He then produced an axe from his left sleeve. “He swung the axe and brandished it at Mr Campbell,” said the fiscal.

Defence solicitor Stephen Knowles said his client suffered from depression and had alcohol problems.