Masked gang member freed on bail just days before attack

A MEMBER of a masked gang who carried out an armed raid on a businessman’s home had been freed on bail by a sheriff nine days earlier, a court heard.

Paul Duffy, 35, was one of four armed men in balaclavas who smashed their way into the Lasswade Road home of car dealer Mohammed Razaq.

At the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, advocate depute Leanne Cross said four men in balaclavas smashed into his conservatory on February 28, carrying weapons including an axe, a large knife and a bat, and attacked Mr Razaq and a 15-year-old girl.

Police linked Duffy to DNA in blood samples gathered from the scene and a getaway car.

He admitted breaking into the house, while acting with others, and assaulting Mr Razaq and the girl with intent to rob.

He also admitted committing the offence while on bail, which had been granted at Glasgow Sheriff Court on February 19.

Defence counsel Drew Mackenzie said his client was one of the four intruders but claimed he was not armed.

Duffy will be sentenced after reports and was remanded in custody.