An 80-year-old woman was confronted in her home by an intruder who demanded money. The pensioner tried to push Connor McLean out of the house but was “overpowered” by him. Luckily, her son, who was upstairs, came to the rescue. McLean, 24, of Station Road, New Stevenston, admitted assaulting the OAP in nearby Carfin Street on January 28.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that the pensioner was in the kitchen when McLean entered through the unlocked back door and demanded money from her. Despite her attempts to remove him, he overpowered her and continued to push her. When she called for her son, he came down and ushered McLean out of the property. A short time later, another woman in the same street was assaulted by McLean after he entered through the unlocked back door, triggering an alarm.
The woman found McLean in the kitchen and asked him to leave, but he ran towards her, grabbed her wrist, causing her to fall back on to a cabinet. He then grabbed her face and pushed her. Her husband came to her aid, restrained McLean on the floor until the police arrived. Fortunately, neither woman sustained injury or required medication.
Defence lawyer Ian Scott mentioned that McLean had no memory of the incidents and had not re-offended since. However, Sheriff John Hamilton deferred sentence until next month for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment, warning McLean that there might be a custodial sentence given the circumstances.
This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the importance of ensuring home security to prevent such frightening encounters. Residents are advised to keep their doors locked at all times and be vigilant of their surroundings to deter potential intruders from targeting their homes. Such cases highlight the need for community safety measures and support for victims of crime to feel secure in their own homes.