A Blantyre woman got the fright of her life when she woke in the early hours to find an intruder sitting in her bedroom.
When the terrified mum asked what he wanted, Gerard Valenti replied ‘I’m here to do your gutters’.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard she managed to wake her son who performed a citizen’s arrest on Valenti until the cops arrived.
Valenti, 32, admitted stealing clothing, tools and other items from the house in Church Street and a van parked outside on June 30.
Rebecca Clark, prosecuting, said CCTV showed Valenti entering the unlocked van about 3am. He was also seen to fall, cutting his face.
She told the court: “He then went into the house which was also insecure.
“A sleeping woman woke to find the accused sitting on the dresser at the end of her bed. He was bleeding about the eyes and stinking of alcohol.
“She was immediately alarmed and shouted ‘What are you doing? Get out!’ and he mumbled in reply ‘I’m here to do your gutters’.
“The woman woke her son who found that his bedroom had been ransacked while he slept.
“He went out and saw Valenti in the street, wearing his jacket. The man held him down and called 999.
“He discovered that tools had been taken from his works van.”
The court heard that most of the stolen items were recovered, but a Gucci watch was not.
Valenti was taken to hospital for treatment to his facial injury. He’s been in jail on remand since his arrest.
His lawyer said he has problems with drink and drug abuse.
Sheriff John Hamilton deferred sentence until next month for background reports and Valenti, who admitted previous convictions, was again remanded in custody.
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