Masseuse fought off 'gun-wielding' robber with spray paint

A masseuse fought off a gun-wielding robber in her own home by using a red-coloured spray against him, a court has heard.

Issa Mohamed, 30, produced an imitation firearm during his bid to take cash from the woman at her home in Warriston, Edinburgh, on February 17, 2024.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard on Tuesday how Mohamed turned up at her property looking for a massage but demanded money instead, prompting her to fight back.

Describing the incident, prosecutor Mark Mohammed KC said: “The accused lifted his top and this revealed the handle of a gun concealed in his trousers.

“He then removed the gun from his trousers and pointed it at her.

“The witness shouted ‘Christopher, Christopher, Christopher’ to give the impression that there was somebody in her house.

“The witness also reached for a can of red colour spray that she keeps with her for own safety.

“She sprayed the accused in the face and chest. The witness sprayed the accused in the back as he was coming out of the house.”

On Tuesday, Mohamed, of Govanhill, pleaded guilty to a total of four charges which included assault and breaching strict firearms legislation.

He observed proceedings from prison via video link as he had been remanded in custody at an earlier stage in proceedings.

The court heard that on February 13, 2024, Mohamed also targeted another masseuse at her home on St Vincent Street, Glasgow.

The court heard how Mohamed arranged by text to meet the woman for a massage. The prosecution lawyer told the court that once he arrived at the property, he got into an argument.

The court heard that on this occasion, Mohamed produced a gun and demanded cash.

Mr Mohammed told the court that the complainer handed over cash.

The advocate depute added: “She took £200 in cash from her nightgown pocket and handed it to the accused.

“The accused informed the witness that he was leaving the locus and stated, ‘I’m not going to come back, don’t worry’.”

The court heard that the woman informed the police. Officers obtained footage from a Ring Doorbell camera showing Mohamed turning up to the property – however, detectives were unable to establish his identity at that point.

The court heard that the situation changed following the attempt to take money from the masseuse in Edinburgh.

Detectives managed to link the two robberies and gathered enough evidence to identify Mohamed as the man responsible.

He was arrested, and officers found the weapon used in the two raids – an Airsoft pistol, which resembled a firearm made by US arms manufacturer Colt.

The court also heard that Mohamed was a Libyan citizen who had been given indefinite leave to remain in the UK. He has also been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Judge Lord Harrower deferred sentence to obtain a report on Mohamed’s background. He will be sentenced at the High Court in Kilmarnock on January 16, 2025.