A teenager who smashed his way into a house and terrorised the occupants at knifepoint was sent to detention for two years yesterday.
Gavin Hampton demanded Ian Nicholson’s car keys and, after swigging from a bottle of the householder’s vodka, took off in the VW Scirocco from Castle Heather Road in Inverness.
At the city’s sheriff court the 18-year-old admitted a charge of hamesucken (home invasion with violence), assault to injury and robbery on April 27.
Assistant procurator fiscal Gary Aitken said Hampton, from Inverness, had previous convictions including assault to injury, possession of a knife, breach of court orders and making a hoax bomb call.
He added: “The occupants were woken by loud knocking at the patio doors. They got up and put on the lights, to see Hampton and another male standing outside. A large plant pot was thrown at the patio doors, smashing the window. One of the occupants was able to escape out the front door to raise the alarm.
“Hampton entered and attacked Mr Nicholson who was knocked to the floor and repeatedly punched on the head and body.
“Hampton then began to search the house for money.”
Mr Nicholson was threatened with a knife after telling Hampton he had no money. Hampton then wanted Mr Nicholson’s bank card and PIN number before demanding alcohol.
The householder was forced to get a bottle of vodka, before his cigarettes were also demanded.
The fiscal said: “Hampton then turned and said, “I’m taking your car, where’s your key?”
Mr Nicholson was too frightened to resist and handed over the keys. Hampton then left, taking the knife, vodka, cigarettes, car keys, and the car, with him.” The car was later recovered.
Defence solicitor advocate Shahid Latif told the court: “This is a damaged, fragile young man who suffered a serious traumatic event when he was aged only five.
“After the traumatic event, he embarked at an early age on the road to self destruction and it led to the long-term fuse of destroying his life.”
He added his client had a number of mental health issues and his two main issues were anger management and alcohol.
Sheriff David Sutherland said: “I accept that I am dealing with a damaged young man. Nonetheless, this is a serious offence and there is a high degree of risk (of re-offending).”
