Mum and child were terrified in Rolex raid Thugs who pretended to be police await their fate
“They had used a ‘ rammit’ device – the type used by police – to force the door.”
The court heard Miss McCreadie quickly realised the armed strangers were not police.
O’Brien raced upstairs while McHugh and the unknown accomplice confronted the terrified woman.
Miss Harper said McHugh was clutching a large blade.
The advocate depute added: “He and the third man shouted at Miss McCreadie demanding money and shouting: ‘ Where’s the Rolex?’.
“She repeatedly told them she did not know what they were talking about.
“Her partner had previously advertised a Rolex watch for sale on the internet.”
The robbers ransacked drawers before demanding the keys for a Volkswagen Golf parked outside.
McHugh threatened Miss McCreadie stating: “Don’t play daft.”
His mystery accomplice claimed he would kill her dog after she initially insisted not to have the keys.
The thugs eventually escaped – two went in the Volkswagen while McHugh left in his own Renault Megane.
But, McHugh suffered a puncture in Ayr meaning he had to stop.
Miss Harper said: “He went to a petrol station and a supermarket looking for help.
“He was recorded on CCTV from which he and his car were identified by police.”