A gambler in debt tried to rob a shopkeeper of cash after visiting a casino.
Lewis Cavanagh, 33, pounced on Taj Muhammad at Taj Newsagent in Glasgow’s Cessnock on 22nd September 2025.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how Mr Muhammad had prepared a bag of £15,000 in cash which was to be banked later that day.
Cavanagh entered his shop at 9.20am, which prompted Mr Muhammad to place the bag under the counter.
The pair spoke to each other, with Cavanagh asking Mr Muhammad: “Are you a Muslim?” Mr Muhammad replied that he was.
Cavanagh then noticed the bag and asked what was inside, then stated to Mr Muhammad: “I have to pay a bill.”
The shopkeeper asked Cavanagh to leave and Mr Muhammad moved to the shop floor with the bag.
Cavanagh then said: “What are you doing with that bag, are you paying my bill. I have a £1,000 bill. You need to pay with all the money in the bag.”
Mr Muhammad went back to the counter and stated that he would contact the police.
Cavanagh then put his hand on Mr Muhammad’s chest and pushed him towards the counter.
Prosecutor Josh Dowie said: “He grabbed Mr Muhammad and said ‘what’s in the bag’.
“Mr Muhammad turned his back to Cavanagh and reached out to press the alarm button as well as protect the bag against his body.
“Cavanagh took his arm then pulled at Mr Muhammad multiple times to access the bag.”
At one point, Mr Muhammad was pressed against the counter.
Cavanagh continued to pull at Mr Muhammad and threw him to the ground.
A witness entered the shop and intervened, which gave Mr Muhammad time to call the police.
Cavanagh went on to continue to push Mr Muhammad and unsuccessfully tried to take his phone.
Mr Muhammad was eventually able to get Cavanagh out of his shop, which he then locked.
Police officers later found Cavanagh, who was intoxicated, outside of the shop and arrested him.
Cavanagh told officers: “He is a paedophile. I gave him a slap.”
Cavanagh, of Renfrew, Renfrewshire, pleaded guilty to an assault with intent to rob.
Tony Callaghan, defending, told the court: “He is so embarrassed by his behaviour.
“He is 33-years-old and in full-time employment.
“He was out binge drinking in a casino and has no recollection of it.”
Sentence was deferred pending background reports until September by Sheriff Owen Mullan, who continued Cavanagh’s bail meantime.