A THUG who robbed a frail pensioner at gun point has been caged for almost six years.

Taylor Wright went to the 80-year-old woman’s house in the rural Yarrow Valley, near Selkirk, on March 15 and when she answered the door pointed the handgun at her telling her he wouldn’t kill her if she did as she was told.

Once inside her home he demanded money and after taking £60 in cash from her he ordered her to hand over her bank card and tell him the PIN.

When the terrified woman gave him the number he told her that if she wasn’t telling the truth he would shoot her.

The 21-year-old went on to rip out telephone cords and her care alarm and then placed the house phones and her mobile in water in the kitchen sink. He again threatened that if she told the police, he would come back and shoot her.

Having taken her car keys, Wright made to leave but a few minutes later returned saying he was unable to start her car and ordered her to do it for him. He subsequently left, allowing his victim to raise the alarm having dried off one of her phones.

Wright used the stolen card to withdraw £200 from an ATM in Galashiels before the card was cancelled a short time afterwards.

DNA found on the imitation firearm inside the abandoned vehicle he had stolen from his victim led to his identification and arrest.

Wright was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday).

Speaking following the sentencing, Nicky Patrick, Procurator Fiscal for High Court cases in the East of Scotland, said: “Taylor Wright selected his victim no doubt believing her to be an easy target due to her age and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal.

“His victim showed incredible bravery and resilience and thanks to her quick thinking was able to call for help soon after her attacker had fled.

“Not only will this sentence protect the public but I hope it will make clear to others that crimes such as these, targeting some of the more vulnerable in our community, will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.”