Man (35) jailed for raiding pensioner’s home

Sep 2 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A RAIDER who threatened a have-a-go son at knifepoint after ransacking his OAP mum’s home has been jailed for more than two years.

Christopher Haggerty (35) pleaded guilty to two charges relating to a housebreaking in February this year.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court last month, he admitted breaking into the home of Helen O’Neal in Carlisle Road, Hamilton, and stealing a quantity of household items on February 17.

Haggerty, whose address was given as Addiewell Prison, also pleaded guilty to assaulting her son Brendan O’Neal and presenting a knife towards him and uttering threats of violence on the same date.

He admitted committing both offences while on bail for another matter.

The thug was disturbed as he raided 86-year-old Mrs O’Neal’s house at around lunchtime on the date in question.

The pensioner and her son had returned home to find Haggerty in the hallway.

At the time, the Advertise reported how the accused knocked the pensioner to the ground as he barged past her to make his escape.

She sustained a hip injury in the fall and was left badly shaken.

Brendan O’Neal chased Haggerty along Carlisle Road but the thug then stopped, pulled out a knife and threatened him with violence.

Fearing for his life, the son returned home and raised the alarm.

Haggerty escaped up nearby Laverock Avenue.

The incident took place in broad daylight on a busy road between Hamilton and Larkhall.

At the time, neighbours expressed shock at the family’s ordeal.

Police told the Advertiser this week that the thug was finally nabbed after two months due to a DNA sample.

Haggerty has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1992 with previous convictions for road offences, car theft, theft, housebreaking and assault.

At court last month, Haggerty admitted two charges as libelled against him.

Sheriff Shiona Waldron jailed him for two years and three months, taking into account the length of time he had already spent in custody.