Pair jailed for pensioner robbery

Mary Fraser tells how two men tied her up and threatened to kill her

Two robbers who attacked a widowed pensioner in her Ayrshire home have been jailed for a total of more than 13 years at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Michael Queen, 36, was convicted of assault and robbery on 77-year-old Mary Fraser after forcing his way into her home in Irvine in September last year.

Douglas McMillan, 47, had earlier admitted the same charges.

Queen was jailed for seven years, while McMillan received six years and three months for his involvement.

The judge, Lady Dorrian, also ordered that both men should be kept under supervision for a further three years.

She said: "This was a nasty, horrible crime committed on a vulnerable elderly lady living alone, leaving her injured and terrified."

Hands bound

The court had heard how both men rang Mrs Fraser's house bell before forcing their way inside and sending her sprawling on the floor.

She was forced onto her stomach and her hands were bound behind her back.

Both men eventually left Mrs Fraser in the bathroom after stealing a safe from her home.

She called the police after managing to get free from her ties.

Both men were caught when a witness, who saw two men in the area carrying a holdall type bag which appeared to be heavy, picked out McMillan at an identity parade.