Shock pictures show injuries to Dumbarton pensioner following raid on her home

Kevin McCallum was locked up for the “despicable” attack last week.

These shocking images show the injuries inflicted on dementia sufferer Barbara Slaven during a “despicable” attack in her home.

Career criminal Kevin McCallum battered the vulnerable pensioner in her Castlehill property last April.

And last week he was caged for eight years at the High Court in Edinburgh over the horrific attack.

Police who worked on the manhunt have blasted McCallum, who has a record of 58 previous convictions for violence, dishonesty, weapon possession and housebreaking.

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Detective Constable Iain Allison said: “This was a despicable act carried out on one of the most vulnerable people in our society, who suffers from dementia and was completely helpless to McCallum’s actions.

“I would like to thank our colleagues in forensic services who worked tirelessly to analyse DNA samples in a short time frame to enable us to build a case against Kevin McCallum. I would also like to thank the local community for providing us with information.”

He added: “Barbara’s family asked us to use this photograph of her injuries to highlight what happened to her.

“I hope the conviction and sentencing will provide some comfort to Barbara and her family.”

Serial yob McCallum left his 85-year-old victim with three bleeds on the brain after he struck during a random break-in between 1.45am and 2.45am.

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The 42-year-old smashed his way into the property with a brick then ransacked his victim’s Hawthornhill Road home, emptied cupboards with their contents strewn around and even overturned her bed during the violent attack.

His frail victim also suffered facial bruising and fingertip injuries to her forearms. Following the attack Barbara asked: “Why would somebody punch me?”

A neighbour alerted police after hearing the victim shout for help in the early hours of the morning. Minutes later he saw a man leave her home with a parasol under his arm.

McCallum escaped with just a parasol and a thimble for his haul, while his victim needed urgent treatment at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Police who attended the incident found Barbara “visibly shaking” and clothing and other items scattered around the bedrooms.

They traced McCallum to his home after conducting lengthy enquiries.

The court heard that prior to the incident Mrs Slaven, who had mild dementia, was capable of living independently but she now needs round-the-clock care.

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Prosecutor James Keegan QC told the court: “The accused is a career criminal.”

McCallum was convicted of robbery and assault last month, following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Sentence was deferred for reports and McCallum, originally of Bonhill, was jailed for eight years when he appeared for sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh last Thursday.

He will be on licence for three years when he is eventually released.

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