AN EX-ARMY sniper who robbed a terrified pensioner in her Crossford home and left her bound and gagged has been jailed for six years.

Garry Roughley, 39, avoided a life sentence for the "appalling crime" and the suffering the 76-year-old widow endured after he pounced on her after lying wait outside her property on May 4, 2018.

He stole jewellery and bank cards and cut phone lines before fleeing the scene and remained at large for more than two years despite a large scale police search and an appeal on the BBC Crimewatch programme.

Roughley, who was on the run from prison at the time of the robbery, was convicted at the High Court on Glasgow last month and was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today.

Prosecutors asked judge Lady Scott to order that he be assessed for an order for lifelong restriction – an effective life sentence.

Crown lawyer Alex Prentice QC said the circumstances of the assault and Roughley's previous conviction for kidnapping meant he met the criteria for assessment.

But after hearing from defence advocate Michael Anderson, Lady Scott decided to send Roughley to prison for six years.

Lady Scott added: “I am not satisfied that the criteria for a risk assessment has been made out in this case.

“You did not use any weapon and the violence used in this particular case was limited.

“However, this is a very serious offence. It was planned. You targeted an elderly woman.

"I am satisfied that the circumstances for an extended sentence is made out.

“I would urge you to use your time in custody to learn how to turn away from offending.”

The serial criminal evaded capture until he was eventually snared in Newcastle last October.

At the trial last month, he admitted six charges, including assault and robbery.

The High Court in Glasgow heard how the woman had returned from dinner with friends when Roughley struck.

The thug had absconded from HMP Thorn Cross in Cheshire where he had been serving a sentence for burglary.

The court was told how the pensioner was grabbed while outside the house and ordered to her knees.

The attacker – armed with a knife – yelled: "Woman ... shut up and you will not get hurt."

The OAP was forced inside, blindfolded and had her hands bound with cable ties.

He demanded the PIN numbers for her bank cards, threatening he would "return" if he did not get them.

Roughley put tape and cloth over her mouth, tied her legs to a chair and fled.

A neighbour noticed a light on in her home late at night and went on to discover her still tied to the chair.

The jewellery stolen included rings, a brooch, a pearl necklace and a watch.

The robber was linked to a stolen Vauxhall Mokka and £200 being withdrawn using a stolen bank card at a local ATM.

Roughley emerged as a suspect and he was seen in Glasgow's Bridgeton using a different name in July 2020.

He was eventually held for the robbery in October last year after being arrested in Newcastle.

Roughley's previous convictions include kidnapping, burglary and theft.

Mr Anderson told the court that Roughley was sorry for the attack.

He added: “He is deeply ashamed of his actions and is deeply remorseful for what has happened.

“He has a good work record and ethic. He has previously set up and ran a successful business in Glasgow.”

Lady Scott also ordered Roughley to be supervised for three years following his release from custody.

Detective Inspector Kelly McEwan, of Fife Division Public Protection Unit, said: “This was a truly appalling crime and one of the most shocking that I have experienced in over 22 years police service.

"Garry Roughley left the elderly victim gagged and tied to a chair with no means of escape or summoning help.

"Had it not been for the good fortune of her neighbour spotting her light still on at a late hour and going to check on her, the consequences could have been catastrophic.

"This was a very distressing experience for her and although it is not something she will be able to forget, I hope that the sentencing will provide some comfort to her and her family."