OAPs were terrified by man’s break-in bid

Sent to jail for night-time disturbance

He left but returned a few moments later and tried to force the door open by putting his shoulder to it.

“Mr and Mrs Adie were frightened and the police were contacted.”

Erminas, of Causewayend, Coupar Angus, was arrested but later released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

But in between times, he repeatedly tried to open a van parked in George Street, Coupar Angus, in the early hours.

The court was told that owner James Brown, who had been in bed, got up and went to investigate but each time he got close, Erminas made off.

Ms Dickie said that happened on at least six occasions. On the final occasion, the accused, who was under the influence, tried to break the glass door of the vehicle before leaving the area.

He was later traced by police and apprehended.

He admitted entering the house at 41 Precinct Street, Coupar Angus, uninvited on April 5 and attempting to get into 43 Precinct Street by applying bodily pressure to the door.

On April 13, 2019, he committed a breach of the peace by attempting to open the parked van and repeatedly struck it.

Jailing him for eight months this week, Sheriff Gillian Wade said: “These offences must have been terrifying, particularly for the elderly people involved.

“It’s regrettable that you didn’t see the error of your ways and continued to offend in the same way on April 13, while subject to an undertaking to appear at this court.”

Solicitor David Sinclair said his client wanted to apologise to the people concerned in each of the charges.

“What occurred was the result of him being so drunk he had no idea where he was.

“His drunkenness has caused fear and alarm to the occupants of the properties. “For that he’s truly sorry.” As a result of what had taken place, the accused “finds himself alone, without a home and without a job.”

The lawyer insisted the accused had “no sinister motives” when he banged on the pensioners’ doors.

He had been out celebrating his birthday, became separated from his partner and couldn’t find his way home.

The prison term was backdated to April 15, when the accused was first remanded.