Thug jailed for terror raid on couple in flat

A thug has been jailed for 33 months after a knife was held at a pet dog’s throat during a terrifying raid at a Hamilton flat.

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

The pair 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, admitted assaulting and robbing a couple 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 Hamilton Sheriff Court, pictured: “The couple were in bed asleep when they were woken at 2am by banging at the door.

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

“He picked up a bottle of vodka and struck the man 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 Jnr 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 Jnr then struck the male victim with the pick axe handle and slashed the woman on the hand.

“The men took a TV, 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 Snr also admitted breaking into his former partner’s home in the town’s Arden Terrace 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.

Boothroyd senior failed to attend court for sentence this week and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

His son’s jail sentence was backdated to June 2020 as he had been held in custody since then.

He was expected to be freed immediately on a supervised release order.