Teenager sprayed substance in doormen's faces after being refused entry into Illusions in Sunderland

Morgan Bulmer-Gibson, 18, carried the noxious liquid in a can – marked with the wording NATO CS Gas – for protection but used it as a weapon outside the city centre Illusions venue.

Bulmer-Gibson, of Well Street, Pallion, struck soon after she was refused entry after being asked for ID in the early hours of Sunday, March 1 last year, a court heard.

Her attack left the bouncers with 15 minutes of soreness to their eyes for which they were removed from duty to cleanse their faces with water.

Prosecutor Grace Taylor told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court: “The doormen were working when a group of males and females came to the club.

“The defendant was asked for ID because she looked underage. One male became aggressive and angry, and the group was ejected.

“Other members of the group were outside, and as the doorman took them outside he stumbled and fell along with one of the group.

“The group left but came back a few minutes later and as soon as they were outside, the defendant has sprayed the substance into their eyes.

“One described being sprayed with pepper spray, and the second doorman was sprayed. Their eyes were stinging and sore.

“The defendant was about two feet away and a doorman used his right hand to grab the container, which had the wording ‘NATO CS Gas’.

“The police find the defendant nearby. An aggravating factor was that she caused injury, it was on a premises and she was part of a group.

“The defendant admitted that she used it for protection.”

The court heard Bulmer-Gibson has one previous affray offence as a youth.

She pleaded guilty to two charges of assault occasioning them actual bodily harm, and possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid.

District Judge Kathryn Meek called for reports and granted Bulmer-Gibson bail on condition she maintains her home address for court correspondence.

Bulmer-Gibson will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, March 29.

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