A pensioner was beaten and robbed in his Bothwell home by two men posing as workers.
The 77-year-old was struck repeatedly with a metal pole before the pair ransacked the property.
William Dunbar, 28, of Cordiner Court, Lesmahagow, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted assaulting and robbing the elderly man in Wingfield Gardens, Bothwell, on December 28, 2019.
A second man, William McPhee, 35, described as a prisoner, had his not guilty plea to the charge accepted.
Abby Seal, prosecuting, said Dunbar and an accomplice turned up at the house at 10.30pm.
She told the court: "The pensioner, who was alone, opened the door to them.
"The man with Dunbar said he had done roughcasting work there previously and offered to fix a leaking pipe.
"The householder didn't recognise either man, but invited them in.
"On entering, Dunbar's companion said 'Give me your bank card'. He produced a metal pole and struck the pensioner to the left side of the head.
"He continued to hit him with the pole, shouting 'Give me your bank card or I'll kill you'."
The pair rummaged through the terrified victim's shirt and trouser pockets, taking £27 from him.
He also had his wristwatch removed and Dunbar's accomplice smashed the doorbell unit with the metal pole.
The robbers then went into the dining room where they ransacked drawers and overturned furniture before leaving the property.
Ms Seal added: "The pensioner called 999 and officers arrived to find him visibly shaken. There were obvious signs of a disturbance.
"He had bruising and swelling to his right eye, bruising to his knuckles and a cut to his thumb.
"Extensive police enquiries were carried out and Dunbar was identified through a trawl of CCTV and forensic examination of the victim's clothing."
The court heard that Dunbar failed to turn up for an earlier hearing. He was arrested earlier this month and has been in custody since.
Sheriff John Speir deferred sentence until next month for background reports. Dunbar was again remanded in custody.
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