Elderly woman held at gunpoint by illegal immigrant in Lanarkshire home
An 83-year-old woman was held at gunpoint and threatened with a knife during a terrifying break-in at her Thorntonhall home
An illegal immigrant wanted by the Home Office has admitted to holding an 83-year-old woman at gunpoint during a terrifying raid on her home in Lanarkshire.
Chirag Solanki, 27, broke into the property in Thorntonhall on July 6 this year, while the victim and her 83-year-old husband were having lunch.
Armed with a firearm and a five-inch knife, he also carried cable ties, duct tape, a balaclava, ear plugs and mobile phones.
The High Court in Glasgow heard this week that Solanki was in the country on an expired student visa. Prosecutor Natalie McCartney said a “missing marker” had been put on him by the home office.
The victim became suspicious after spotting broken glass in her laundry room. Her husband searched the large house and discovered Solanki in a bedroom.
He shouted for his wife before pleading with the intruder: “This is silly, just go.”
Miss McCartney told the court: “Solanki moved behind the woman and held a firearm against her temple with his right hand and a knife to her throat with his left hand.
“She recalls not feeling the blade make contact with her but was aware it was being held immediately against her.”
Solanki forced the woman upstairs before fleeing through the front door after becoming aware a 999 call had been made.
A police helicopter was deployed and Solanki was traced and arrested near the scene.
He told officers: “I lost my job. I am looking for money.”
Police later discovered the weapons. The firearm was a BB-gun capable of discharging pellets, painted black.
Solanki's DNA was found on it as well as on the smashed glass at the property.
He pled guilty to abduction, assault and breaking into the house.
Solanki further admitted to having an imitation firearm with intent to cause others to believe violence would be used.
Defence solicitor Declan O'Keefe said: "The seriousness of this matter is not lost on him and he knows only a significant custodial sentence is appropriate."
Lady Anwar remanded Solanki in custody, with sentencing deferred for reports.