Knife raid claim was unproven

A couple claimed masked thugs tried to rob them at knifepoint at a house in Cambusnethan.

Sandra Sleith said one of the men threatened to “rip off” her partner Thomas Rowley’s face if he didn’t hand over money or “gear”.

Colin McKenzie, 41, a prisoner, was accused of taking part in the raid at Ms Sleith’s home in Northmuir Drive last November.

But a jury took just 20 minutes to find the charge not proven after trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week.

It was alleged that McKenzie and an unnamed accomplice presented knives at Mr Rowley, held a blade at this throat and demanded money and drugs.

The court heard the couple were asleep in bed when there was a knock on the door at 1am. It was claimed Mr Rowley opened the door when a voice said ‘It’s Col’, but was horrified to find two men with faces covered, armed with Stanley knives.

Ms Sleith told the jury: “They said to give them money or gear or his face would be ripped off.”

In the end the men left without taking anything of value. Mr Rowley sustained slight injuries during the struggle.

Mr Rowley, who admitted being involved with illegal drugs in the past, was unwilling to report the raid to the police, but agreed to co-operate because McKenzie had “terrified that lassie”.

McKenzie went into the witness box and flatly denied any involvement.

In her closing speech to the jury, his solicitor, Elspeth Forrest doubted the credibility of the prosecution witnesses.

She found the claim that McKenzie had identified himself at the door hard to believe.

Mrs Forrest also queried why it had taken Ms Sleith nearly 24 hours to call the police.