Magistrates are keeping all their options open when it comes to sentencing a man who broke into a property in Saundersfoot.
The court sitting in Tenby on Tuesday heard how Mark Anthony Ponting had smashed a pane of glass in the conservatory of a house in Castle View and climbed in through a window whilst the occupiers, a retired couple, were in bed asleep.
After entering the property during the early hours of the morning of April 20, he stole a coat valued at £30 and threw a potted plant around, causing £75 worth of damage to a cane chair, crown prosecutor, Mr. Nick Newton, said.
"The occupiers were shocked at the level of violence and were nervous that such people were walking at the rear of their property," he added.
In a statement from the gentleman concerned, he said that the thought of someone unlawfully entering their house whilst he and his wife were in bed had 'really frightened' both of them.
The couple had been awoken by noises in the night, but could see nothing untoward when they looked out. When they got up the following morning, however, they discovered the damage and the police were alerted.
Scenes of crime officers took fingerprint evidence from the conservatory which was later found to match the defendant.
After being arrested, Ponting, who was camping in the area with friends at the time, fully admitted the burglary and showed genuine remorse for his actions.
"I'm ashamed of my actions and hope this didn't cause too much strife for the people," he told officers.
Ponting, of Cwmbran, said he had been out drinking and claimed that his drinks had been spiked.
The case was adjourned until July 17 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.