An 80-year-old woman was confronted in her home by an intruder who demanded money.
The pensioner tried to push Connor McLean out of the house but was “overpowered” by him.
Luckily, her son, who was upstairs, came to the rescue.
McLean, 24, of Station Road, New Stevenston, admitted assaulting the OAP in nearby Carfin Street on January 28.
He also admitted assaulting another woman after entering her home in the same street on the same day.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard the first incident happened about 5.30pm.
Aislin O’Donnell, prosecuting, said: “The 80-year-old woman was in the kitchen and the back door was closed but not locked.
“The accused entered through the door. He grabbed her by the shoulders, pushed her further into the property and demanded money from her.
“He appeared to be intoxicated. She tried to remove him but he overpowered her, continuing to push her.
“She called for her son, who was upstairs. He came down and ushered the accused out of the property.”
A short time later a couple were in their home, also in Carfin Street, when McLean entered through the unlocked back door, prompting an alarm to activate.
Ms O’Donnell told the court: “The woman found him standing in the kitchen.
“She asked him to leave but instead he ran towards her and grabbed her wrist, causing her to fall back on to a cabinet.
“He then grabbed her face and pushed her. She shouted for help and her husband entered the kitchen, approached the accused and restrained him on the floor until the police arrived.
“Neither woman sustained injury or required medication.”
Defence lawyer Ian Scott said McLean had no memory of the incidents, adding: “There has been no offending since this and he has adhered to bail conditions.”
Sheriff John Hamilton deferred sentence until next month for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment but warned McLean:
“There might be a custodial sentence given the circumstances.
“We’ll wait and see what the reports say and what your explanation is.”
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