Woman jailed over ammonia attack on friend in Glasgow city centre

A woman who soaked her friend in ammonia after a dispute over money on a shopping trip has been jailed for three years.

Gwen Dempster, 52, doused Lee McCluskey after they got involved in a "heated argument" in Glasgow city centre last November.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that it developed into a struggle, during which Dempster took a bottle of ammonia from a bag and threw it over her friend's head and body.

McCluskey said she had felt her skin burning and was later taken to hospital although she discharged herself before receiving any treatment.

Dempster, of Govan, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour and assaulting McCluskey to her injury during the incident on 9 November 2025.

The court heard that the pair were on Buchanan Street when the argument broke out.

Prosecutor Lauren Aitchison said: "This argument was over money and Miss McCluskey felt insulted by the comments Dempster was making and asked her to go away.

"Dempster told her 'I don't want a scabby fiver, I want 20 pounds off you now'."

McCluskey was said to be "scared" and swung her shopping bag at Dempster to get away.

A struggle then took place between them.

Aitchison added: "Dempster removed a bottle of ammonia from her bag and threw it over the head and body of Miss McCluskey.

"Miss McCluskey screamed and felt burning to her skin."

McCluskey removed her clothes at a Sainsbury's and was later found by police on the floor, saying: "My skin is burning."

Dempster was traced and found in possession of the empty bottle of ammonia.