A SERIAL criminal was part of a masked gang who carried out a terrifying late-night raid at the home of an 80-year-old woman.

Anthony Hogan and four accomplices targeted the house of the woman in Gowkhall on February 22, 2019.

The brave pensioner – who lived alone – managed to dial 999 as the robbers ransacked the property bagging a haul of jewellery.

The mob fled but DNA helped link Hogan to the crime.

The 39-year-old has now finally been brought to justice having gone AWOL for two previous court dates.

He pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday to a charge of assault and robbery.

It emerged he has already served a string of jail terms including for importing drugs, crimes of dishonesty and possession of a knife.

Hogan is back behind bars and will be sentenced next month.

The gang had tried initially to get into the house via a Velux window on the roof around midnight.

They forced in a back door eventually and one of the mob grabbed the victim, who was at the bottom of her stairs.

Prosecutor Bill McVicar said: "She was told to remain in the kitchen. She was then repeatedly asked where the money was.

"She repeatedly told them there was nothing."

The gang eventually got into a large steel chest which contained jewellery.

The victim was soon alone in the hall and took the chance to grab her for phone for help.

Mr McVicar said: "She contacted 999 ... she was able to report the incident and spoke to an operator for a prolonged period of time.

"The woman was clearly distressed and male voices can be heard in the background.

"One of the assailants attempted to get the phone from (the victim), who continued to relay events."

The raiders fled the scene before police arrived. Officers found the house ransacked and damaged.

Items stolen included gold necklaces, rings and brooches.

The hearing was told the woman had written a letter to the court detailing how affected she was by the ordeal but this was not read out.

Hogan was held in June 2019 after DNA, mobile phone and CCTV evidence pinned him to the robbery.

After being charged, he was due to appear for a high court hearing on July 15 last year but a warrant was granted when he failed to show.

He was then traced on September 22 last year, however, again freed on bail on November 12.

Hogan should have gone on trial on September 7 this year but once more did not appear in the dock.

He answered the latest warrant on September 27 before this time being remanded in jail.

His lawyer Tony Lenehan said: "It was not expected that night there would be any confrontation as it was thought the householder would not be there or asleep."

Lord Armstrong deferred sentencing until next month for reports.