Jury told consider self-defence over Norwich bleach attack

Scott McIntosh, 57, is accused of squirting bleach or a similar corrosive fluid over a man and woman following a dispute in September 2021.

It followed a row at a nearby property where they had all been drinking when McIntosh called the woman a "slapper".

READ MORE: Norwich man denies throwing noxious substance over couple

His trial at Norwich Crown Court has heard he claims he feared for his safety when the couple began banging on his door.  

He told the court the toxic liquid had been brought by the couple and had spilled during a doorstep tussle at his home in Darrell Place, Norwich

Giving his legal directions to the jury, Judge Andrew Shaw said someone under attack or who feared imminent attack had a right to self-defence. 

“It is for you to decide whether his action was reasonable. It would not be reasonable if you believed he went grossly over the top,” he added.  

Scott McIntosh is on trial at Norwich Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

In his summing up Chris Youell, prosecuting, accused McIntosh of “making up stories to get himself out of trouble”. 

He claimed he had been “sitting in his flat fearing for his life” but in a 999 call had said he was fine, said Mr Youell. 

READ MORE: Woman feared she had acid thrown in her face in Norwich

Ed Renvoize, defending, said there was discrepancy between witness descriptions of the noxious substance having been squirted from a half-full water bottle or a Cillit Bang cleaning product bottle.

He said the incident had followed threats made by one of the complaints against McIntosh including to “crack the f*** out of him”.

“He did not go out of his flat looking for them - they came to his home looking for him and it is clear who it was who was angry,” said Mr Renvoize.

McIntosh denies two counts of administering a poison or noxious substance with intent.

The trial continues.