A shopkeeper who was attacked with a machete in a robbery bid has welcomed his attackers' conviction and admitted he remains traumatised more than a year on.
Tahir Ahmed - known as Joe to friends and customers - tried to fend off his attackers in the robbery bid in December 2015.
But the two attempted robbers left the 55-year-old with a fractured skull following their failed heist at his A&A newsagents in Edinburgh.
Liam McMeechan and David Allan admitted their roles in the botched raid at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday.
Tahir, a shopkeeper for 30 years, is now constantly on high alert in his own place of work.
He said: "I'm glad they've pleaded guilty but this has also left a mark on my life - I was psychologically damaged as well as physically.
"When I'm in the shop, I'm always looking out for something or someone.
"It's taken a long time to get to this stage but I'm glad that it's done and they've pleaded guilty.
"It all happened so quickly.
"He started hitting me straight away without asking for money. I could see the weapon, I was thinking I was going to die as I was getting hit over the head with it."
It was the fourth time a raid was attempted on his store and since the attack, Tahir has installed CCTV cameras in his shop.
McMeechan, 23, pleaded guilty to assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and attempted robbery and Allan, 50, admitted assault and attempted robbery.
It was McMeechan who attacked Tahir with the machete before both men tried to steal money from the store.
The pair fled after Tahir fought back. He was treated in hospital for a fractured skull and cuts to his head.
Tahir added: "I didn't go for counselling because I wanted to deal with it in my own way.
"I want to get this out of my life and to get on with my life but it does affect me still. I have headaches and am still taking painkillers.
"My family come in and make sure I'm OK and we've had CCTV put in the shop. I have to work, I can't just stay at home.
"This was the fourth time I was robbed, but was by far the most serious and horrendous one that happened.
"There seems to be more of this type of thing happening - I don't know whether it's because people are desperate."
Detectives from Edinburgh launched a manhunt and arrested Allan in August last year before swooping on McMeechan the following month.
DCI Martin MacLean said at the time: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the shopkeeper, who suffered some horrific injuries while bravely fending off both men.
"Their willingness to utilise a dangerous weapon demonstrates McMeechan and Allan's violent nature and thanks to the evidence provided by the victim and other witnesses we were able to secure convictions for the pair of them.
"I would like to thank all of those who provided vital assistance with this investigation, which undoubtedly helped bring these men to justice."
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