NEWS: Don't Fuck With 'Hang 'Em Hook'

MARK McLAUGHLIN
Edinburgh Evening News
5 May 2010

Getaway bid nearly costs robber his life after raid on sheriff

A THIEF was rescued from the Water of Leith after botching his escape from a robbery at a retired sheriff's house.

Thief Michael MacKinnon burst into 91-year-old William Hook's Moray Place home on 27 January this year and covered the ex-sheriff's head with a cloth before punching him, stealing his war medals and trying to make his escape by jumping into the freezing water.

However, MacKinnon's haul - which amounted to £5 cash and a few items of "sentimental value" - almost cost him his life as he soon found himself struggling against the current.

He was eventually "lifted" at the Bell's Brae Bridge, nearly 500 metres downstream, by Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue water rescue crews.

The 26-year-old was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where he was eventually handed over to police following treatment for hypothermia.

His victim - a former PoW whose fearsome reputation amongst criminals earned him the nickname "Hang 'em Hook" - today said he had been up for "a bit of fisticuffs".

Sheriff Hook said: "He gave me a black eye so I gave him one back. He probably thought he had got lucky when he saw me but there's life in me yet and I thumped him as hard as I could.

"He didn't scare me - in fact, I like a bit of fisticuffs. I've come through worse things in my life that is for sure.

"I had a tough time as a PoW and came back showing nothing but rag and bone.

"Nevertheless, I survived and here I am today, still fighting off what the world throws at me."

MacKinnon pleaded guilty yesterday to assault and robbery charges.

Fiscal depute Ruth Ross-Davie told Edinburgh Sheriff Court: "MacKinnon entered the house by the front door, which was shut but not locked. It was left open because Sheriff Hook regarded himself to be living in a good area and wouldn't require to lock his door.

"MacKinnon entered a bedroom and went through all the drawers and cupboards, stealing a number of items including cufflinks, two medals, some gold buttons and tie pins.

"He then approached Sheriff Hook, who was in the sitting room, and covered his head with a cloth and indicated he wanted him to give him all his money.

"He gave MacKinnon the GBP 5 note which had been in his pocket, before the accused made his escape out the back door.

"He was rescued from the water by the fire service.

"Witnesses had seen suspicious goings-on and contacted police about a stranger entering the sheriff's house.

"By the time police got there, they found MacKinnon in the Water of Leith and they were able to recover all of the items taken from Sheriff Hook.

"He was unable to put a value on the items, which included wartime medals, but they had a significant sentimental value.

"He suffered bruising to the face as a result of the commotion of the covering of his head."

The ex-sheriff declined medical attention but gave police a statement after MacKinnon was arrested.

MacKinnon, whose address was given as Prison of Edinburgh, appeared from custody before Sheriff Derrick McIntyre. His defence agent, Cameron Tait, did not apply for bail and reserved any statement until sentencing.

Sheriff McIntyre called for background reports and ordered MacKinnon to be brought back to court later this month.