A youth who terrorised a disabled man in his wheelchair at gun and knifepoint was sent to detention for two years and eight months yesterday.
Ryan Renicks, who was 15 at the time but is now 16, demanded money from 70-year-old Geoffrey Davidson at his home in Pipersfield, Alness, in June and robbed him of £80.
Renicks, whose address was given as a secure unit in Paisley, admitted assault and robbery on August 25 and sentence was deferred for a background report on the first offender.
Sheriff Margaret Neilson told Renicks: “This is a very serious charge of assaulting and robbing of an elderly and disabled man in his own home.
“This must have been a terrifying experience for him. The report shows you have not complied with the compulsory supervision measures put in place on you by the Children’s Panel.
“It also assesses you as a high risk of re-offending, particularly in the Alness area. At liberty, your lifestyle is chaotic.
“A sentence of detention is the only appropriate one and hopefully you will remain in the secure accommodation where you have been in custody as you have been making progress there.”
Prosecutor Roderick Urquhart said Mr Davidson used a wheelchair and walking frame to get around.
He added: “Mr Davidson’s carer left about 9.40am, and 20 minutes later Renicks walked in unannounced.
“He asked Mr Davidson if he could lend him some money to which he responded that he couldn’t. Renicks left the house, shouting, ‘I’ll be back and I’ll sort you out.'”
“About 10.15am Renicks again entered the house and held what Mr Davidson described as an air rifle at his head and said that if he did not give him money he would shoot him and slit his throat.
“He went on to explain that he owed people money and pulled a knife from his trouser pocket.
“At first Mr Davidson told Renicks that he did not have any money. But then he said he would lend him £20
“Renicks said that this was not enough and demanded £80. In fear for his safety Mr Davidson handed over £80.”
Renicks told Mr Davidson: “If you phone the police I’ll come back and shoot you and cut your throat.”
Mr Davidson’s neighbour heard him demanding the money, took a photograph of Renicks as he left, and gave it to the police.