Jail for thief who targeted OAP

A sheriff told Andrew Neill he hopes he gets help with his drug problem while he is serving the sentence.

Neil (22) appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court after the incident in Glenburn Crescent, Viewpark, on November 19.

He admitted charges of threatening or abusive behaviour and theft.

The court heard Neill claimed he was a relative of the woman, who is in her 70s. He refused to leave, pretended he had done work for her and shouted abuse and threats. He also stole a number of payment cards.

Neil also admitted stealing computer games belonging to a fellow resident at the Blue Triangle homeless hostel in Viewpark.

Defence agent Jason Stark described his client’s lifestyle as “chaotic” and said that while he had spells living in the hostel and with a relative in Windsor Walk, Tannochside, he had also spent time sleeping in a tent.

Mr Stark told the court: “He was struggling with alcohol and valium addiction and in relation to the charges involving the elderly woman he has very little recollection.

“He hasn’t had his troubles to seek in life. He had a troubled upbringing.”

Sheriff Thomas Millar told Neill, who has previous convictions for housebreaking and theft: “These are serious charges given the age of the lady and the fact you were on bail at the time.

“Clearly drugs are a real problem for you and hopefully during your sentence you can access some of the courses that are available.”