Father and son admit assault and robbery

A knife was held at a pet dog’s throat when a father and son staged a terrifying raid at a Hamilton flat in the early hours of the morning.

Douglas Boothroyd and his son, Douglas junior, also struck the occupants with blades, a bottle and a pick axe handle.

The pair then made off with items including phones, a television and a vacuum cleaner.

Boothroyd senior, 54, of Hall Street, Hamilton, and his son, 27, a prisoner, appeared at the town’s sheriff court last week.

They admitted assaulting and robbing two victims at a flat in Gateside Street on April 25, 2020.

Jennifer Cunningham, prosecuting, said one of the victims had borrowed money that hadn’t been repaid. This seemed to be the reason for the robbery.

She told the court: “The couple were in bed asleep when they were woken at 2am by banging at the door.

“The woman answered the door and the Boothroyds forced their way into the property. Each had a knife and Boothroyd junior was also in possession of a pick axe handle.

“He picked up a bottle of vodka and struck the male victim on the head with it.

”Boothroyd senior then grabbed the woman’s dog and held a knife at its throat.

“She attempted to get the dog from him, but he struck her with the knife.

“Boothroyd junior went through drawers in the kitchen and living room while his father continued to hold the knife at the dog, laughing as he did so.

“They demanded phones from the couple who handed them over.

“Boothroyd junior then struck the male with the pick axe handle and slashed the female on the hand.

“The men took a television, vacuum and other items, threatened to set fire to the flat and left, warning the couple not to move for 15 minutes.”

Fortunately, the victims suffered only minor injuries.

Boothroyd senior also admitted breaking into his former partner’s home in Arden Terrace, Hamilton, between May 5 and 10, 2020 while on bail for the robbery.

He stole two TVS, two phones and other electrical equipment.

The court heard Boothroyd had contacted his ex-partner repeatedly, demanding she hand over his belongings.

She discovered the break-in after being away from the flat.

Ms Cunningham said it was in “an extreme state of disarray” and the word “witch” had been carved on a wall.

Sheriff Ray Small deferred sentence on both accused until next month.

Boothroyd senior had his bail continued, but Boothroyd junior, who has been in custody since his arrest in June 2020, remains behind bars.