HOSTAGE HORROR FOR MUM AND OAP

Abductor held them in two-hour ordeal

A maniac who abducted his mum and grandad and held them hostage during a terrifying New Year’s Day knife robbery is facing jail.

Boozed-up Duncan Sinclair held Frances Sinclair and Ronald Scott against their will at his grandfather’s Calderwood home, attacked them and taunted them with knives throughout an horrific two-hour ordeal which left his mother unconscious.

Tragically, Mr Scott died last week before the case was called before Hamilton Sheriff Court.

Fiscal depute Michael McIntosh told the court there was “a plausible link” between the 87-year-old’s death and his grandson’s despicable actions.

Sinclair, 31, pled guilty to abduction and robbery, assault and threatening behaviour. He will be sentenced next month.

A knife-wielding maniac held his mum and grandad hostage during a terrifying boozefuelled attack on New Year’s Day.

Duncan Sinclair, 31, abducted Ronald Scott, now deceased, and Frances Sinclair and held them against their will at his grandfather’s home in Lammermoor, Calderwood.

Tragically, Mr Scott, 87, passed away before the case was called at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday.

Fiscal depute Michael McIntosh told the court that Mr Scott had been unwell since the incident, adding that due to the nature of his health conditions, there was “a plausible link” to his grandson’s despicable actions.

The court heard how Sinclair, who has a history of drug and excessive alcohol use, went to Mr Scott’s house at 3am on January 1 with Ms Sinclair.

Mr McIntosh said: “They had difficulties and Mr Scott had not seen his grandson in years. He was surprised to see him and offered him a can of Guinness.

“Mr Sinclair was somewhat under the influence of alcohol but the situation was amicable at first – until Mr Sinclair asked for a glass of whisky.”

Mr McIntosh explained that Mr Scott had a collection of whisky miniatures that he had collected over the years.

However, knowing his grandson’s temperament, Mr Scott declined which caused Sinclair to become aggressive; spitting at them both while shouting obscenities.

Sinclair then took two bottles from the kitchen and became increasingly aggressive when his grandad took them off him.

Over the next two hours, Sinclair became “incessantly violent” towards his relatives.

Mr McIntosh added: “Mr Sinclair took hold of two knives from the kitchen and returned to the living room holding the knives. He threatened Mr Scott and Ms Sinclair demanding money, repeatedly told them they were evil and threatened to kill them both.”

He demanded £100 then, while continually screaming and shouting, his demands became more excessive.

Becoming increasingly scared for their lives, Mr Scott told his grandson he didn’t get his pension until the following week.

“Several times during the course of the incident,” Mr McIntosh continued, “Mr Sinclair produced a knife and pressed it tight against Mr Scott’s throat and abdomen whilst demanding money.

“At one point he had one knife against his throat and one at his abdomen.

“Mr Scott attempted to defuse the situation by telling his grandson if he killed him he would end up in Barlinnie. Mr Sinclair laughed this off, saying the cops were on his side.”

Sinclair held a knife to his mum’s throat while she sat on the couch and demanded that Mr Scott hand over the £1500 Tag Heuer watch he was wearing.

Throughout the ordeal Sinclair referred to his mum and grandad as his hostages – telling them not to move and closing the curtains so no one could see in.

At one point, Ms Sinclair went into the kitchen and her son followed, putting her in a chokehold and told her he’d kill her.

Sinclair went upstairs to look for items to steal and, bizarrely, returned with a painting of an owl and a church which he smashed in front of them, cutting out the picture with the knives.

Taking £70 cash, small change and jewellery in a wooden box, Sinclair said he’d “hit the jackpot” before taking an ornament and filling a plastic bag with the 51 miniature whisky bottles.

Incredibly, Sinclair gave his mum a hug, put down the knives and left through the back door.

Mr Scott called the police but he began to feel unwell before they arrived and an ambulance was called.

“There was concern that he may be suffering a heart attack,” added Mr McIntosh.

Police later traced an intoxicated Sinclair and found him in possession of some of the stolen items.

The court heard he was conducting himself in a “severely violent manner” as he struggled with officers and made threats to kill them. Sinclair was taken to Cathcart Police Office and charged.

He pled guilty to abduction, robbery and assault while on bail and causing fear and alarm by shouting, swearing and making threats at Pembroke on the same date.

The case was adjourned until May 8 for reports. Sinclair was remanded in custody.