A man who robbed a Bothwell pensioner has claimed he didn't know what he was getting involved in.
The 77-year-old victim was struck repeatedly with a metal pole before William Dunbar and an accomplice ransacked the property.
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.
Defence agent Archie Hill said Dunbar had been drinking at a house when a man he didn't know asked him to go with him to an address to collect some money.
The solicitor stated: "He felt intimidated by this man. He didn't disassociate himself from what was happening."
Abby Seal, prosecuting, said Dunbar and the other man turned up at the victim's 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."
Mr Hill said his client had no record for violence and had acted on an 'art and part' basis on this occasion.
He was abusing street valium at the time and didn't remember much about the robbery.
Sheriff John Speir, who had been due to sentence Dunbar this week, adjourned the case until later this month.
Dunbar, who was remanded in custody, will be assessed for a possible drug treatment and testing order as an alternative to further jail time.
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