Mark Dickie was part of a masked gang which broke into a widower’s home, terrorised him and robbed him of his £90,000 life savings.

The 28-year-old and three others were jailed for a total of 37 years for subjecting 55-year-old Ian Masterton to a terrifying ordeal in his own home.

Dickie, of 33 Woodlands Crescent, Johnstone, was one of a five-strong gang that smashed their way into Mr Masterton’s home in Lochore, Lochgelly, Fife, just after 10pm on September 26, 2013.

The others were ex-Hutcheson’s Grammar pupil Gary Carcary, 20, from East Kilbride, John McLeese, 28, from Ardrossan and 28-year-old Paisley man Andrew Dickinson. The fifth member of the ggang has never been traced.

Outside the High Court in Glasgow today, Mr Masterton’s daughters Linda and Vicky Masteron said: “We’re delighted with the outcome. These men are now behind bars where they belong for a long time.” Linda Masterton added: “However my dad’s got a life sentence. It was despicable what they did and the level of violence they used. My dad’s now got a lot of psychological issues. He barricades himself inside his home every night putting a big wooden baton across the door.” Vicky Masterton said: “These men put my dad through a 45 minute ordeal after smashing their way through his door with axes. He was also tied up and at one point managed to get the ties off and tried to escape, but one of the gang was outside the room and caught him.” Mr Masterton’s sister Anne and her husband Stewart Wheatley added: “Ian has become a virtual recluse. He has difficulty living with what they did to him. He lost his savings and now he doesn’t feel safe in his home.” The court heard that after the raid Carcary had sent a picture to a friend of a wad of cash.

When his car was searched police found a home-made balaclava, cut up stockings, gloves, a hooded top, phone and a receipt for two Rolex watches bought for more than £11,000.

Advocate depute Jim Keegan QC, prosecuting, said that none of the £90,000 stolen cash was ever recovered. He added that Mr Masterton’s home had been under surveillance by the gang for days before the robbery.

Judge John Morris QC sentenced Carcary to nine years, Dickie to eight years and McLeese and Dickinson to 10 years each.

Judge Morris told the accused: “This is a despicable offence of utmost wickedness. You broke into the home of Mr Masterton, the place where he was entitled to feel safe. His confidence to live in that home is now gone because you were all greedy. None of you have any concept of what you have done.” The court heard that Dickie was the only one who showed any humanity to Mr Masterton, by giving him a cigarette.

During the terrifying ordeal which happened two weeks after the first anniversary of his wife’s death Mr Masterton was assaulted and subjected to chilling threats.

He eventually revealed where they could find his cash.

All four pleaded guilty to assault and robbery during a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh after forcing their victim to give evidence.

Mr Masterton told the court: “I didn’t know what they were capable of doing or how far they would go.” He said the thugs armed with axes forced their way into his home before using cable ties to restrain him.

Mr Masterton was then dragged about his home and repeatedly kicked and punched on the head and body.

Car mechanic Mr Masterton was dragged towards a wood-burning stove, where the cinders were still red hot, and threatened that the gang would put his head inside it.

The thugs also said they would cut off one of his legs with an axe and threatened to pour boiling water over him.

Speaking about one of the intruders, Mr Masterton said: “He pulled the trousers up on one leg and lifted the axe as if he was going to bring it down.” At one stage, the victim managed to break the cable ties and thought about jumping out of a window but realised it was double-glazed.

His attempt to escape was thwarted and he was trussed up again.

After the intruders got the cash, they left and Mr Masterton managed to raise the alarm.

Defence counsel for all four accused said that they were remorseful and regretful for what they had done.