Woman feared machete thug would ‘kill her’

A woman feared she would die when a machete-wielding robber demanded her car keys as she arrived at work.

Terrified Lesley Spiers screamed to her colleagues for help, then watched helplessly as Jack Fallow drove off in her Honda.

Later she told police she had feared for her life when the thug waved what she described as “a pirate’s knife” in her face.

First offender Fallow (26), of Overton Road, Netherburn, was warned he faces a prison sentence when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday.

He admitted assaulting and robbing Ms Spiers (50) in Larch Grove, Hamilton, on May 13 last year and illegal possession of the machete.

An allegation that he had amphetamine with him at the time was dropped.

Paula Russell, prosecuting, said Ms Spiers parked her car in the office car park shortly before 7am, but as she approached the front door she heard a thud which made her turn around.

Ms Russell told the court: “She saw Fallow run towards her, brandishing what she described as a large, rusty knife that she said looked like a pirate’s knife.

“He was screaming ‘Keys, keys, car keys’ while brandishing the weapon at her.

“She began screaming, thinking he was going to kill her, and handed over the keys.

“Colleagues heard her screaming and went to the door. She was shouting that Fallow had a knife. One of the workers opened the door and immediately pulled Ms Spiers in.

“They watched as the accused made his way to the vehicle, got in and drove off in a very erratic manner at high speed.”

Police were called and officers arrived to find the victim “extremely distressed”.

Ms Russell said that about 7.20am, a member of the public reported a car was being driven erratically half a mile away.

The court heard “numerous” police units attended and the stolen vehicle was found. It was empty but at about 7.50am, Fallow was seen nearby. He was wearing a white vest, having discarded the distinctive red hooded top he had on when he confronted Ms Spiers.

He ran off when he saw the police, but officers caught him after a chase.

Ms Russell added: “He had the keys to the stolen Honda. After a search of the area officers found the machete wrapped in the hooded top.”

Defence agent Sandy Morrison said Fallow, who has no previous convictions, is “well aware that custody is almost inevitable”, but asked that bail be continued while background reports are prepared.

Mr Morrison added: “He has been seeking certain medical treatment since this incident.”

Sheriff Ray Small deferred sentence until March 5 and agreed to continue bail.

The sheriff told Fallow: “While I won’t make up my mind until I’ve read the reports and heard everything, it’s highly likely a custodial sentence will be coming your way.”