Ex-Larkhall doctor robbed of jewelley

Feb 4 2010 by John Rowbotham, Hamilton Advertiser

Ex-Larkhall woman robbed of jewelley

A MAN will appear in court later this month charged with stealing jewellery from a United States-based doctor who is visiting Hamilton.

The 24-year-old was arrested by police investigating the theft of about £25,000-worth of earrings, rings, chains and a Rolex watch.

They are said to have gone missing from the Low Waters Road flat of Marion MacIntyre last weekend.

The jewellery belonged to Ms MacIntyre and Dr Rita Gilmour-Pangratz, a United States-based doctor who was staying with her.

Dr Gilmour-Pangratz was brought up in Lanarkshire and was in the news in early January when she went to the aid of a teenager injured in a serious sledging accident in Chatelherault Country Park.

A spokesman for police said: “On Saturday, between 10.30am and 11.30am, we were advised that a theft had taken place from premises in Low waters Road.

“A five-figure sum of various items, including earrings, rings, chains and a watch – made of white gold and yellow gold – were stolen.

“The police were called after occupants of the house noticed that the items were missing.

“Officers could find no sign of forced entry.

“A 24-year-old man was arrested in connection with the alleged theft and is due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court later this month.”

Dr Gilmore-Pangratz lives in Connecticut but had been staying in Hamilton to attend the funeral of a friend.

She was educated at Larkhall Academy and St John’s Grammar before training as a nurse at Hairmyres Hospital.

After emigrating to the United States, she trained at the brain and specialist unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, eventually becoming a clinical neuro-psychologist.

She was in Chatelherault Country Park on January 6 when the teenager, an epileptic, was hurt when his sledge hit a chunk of ice.

She helped the injured youth before he was airlifted to hospital by a Royal Navy Rescue helicopter.

It is understood that the doctor was forced to delay her return to the States because of the missing jewellery.

Ms MacIntyre yesterday (Wednesday) declined to comment on the incident.