A SERIAL thug who took part in a terrifying abduction and robbery of a man has been handed a life sentence.

David Ingham, 46, was involved in the attack at a house in New Cumnock back in December 2020.

Ingham - along with 42 year-old Veronica Finnie - refused to let Scott Wilson leave the property, demanded the PIN number to his bank card before he was left unconscious.

The pair also took a mobile phone before using the card to buy £30 of cigarettes at a local shop.

The traumatised man suffered a broken eye socket following his ordeal.

Ingham and Finnie were convicted of abduction, assault and robbery earlier this year at Ayr Sheriff Court.

But, the case was sent to the high court where a judge has greater sentencing powers.

This was mainly due to Ingham's lengthy criminal record for violence.

This included jail-terms in 1996, 1999 and a five-year sentence in 2011.

Ingham today appeared via video link from prison for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

His lawyer Sean Templeton urged Lord Beckett not to impose an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR).

But, the judge told Ingham: "I consider that even with all the measures that could be put in place with an extended sentence, it remains more likely than not that you will violently offend again."

He made an OLR against the thug and ordered him to serve a minimum three years.

Lord Beckett said he would not automatically be freed after that term.

He added: "It is in your own hands to increase chances of your release."

Finnie was earlier locked up for two and a half years for her part