An innocent Hamilton household were put through a terrifying early hours ordeal by a driver who blamed them for stealing his car.
Aidan Cooney broke through the front door then forced open a bedroom door as the occupants cowered inside.
But Hamilton Sheriff Court heard he was "completely mistaken" and the victims had nothing to do with the alleged theft.
Cooney, 28, of Chantinghall Road, Hamilton, admitted damaging doors and "violently forcing entry" to the house in Arbroath Grove on January 2 last year.
The court heard the occupants were wakened around 2.20am by the noise of banging on the front door and the accused shouting: "Open the f****** door."
The police were contacted and everyone in the house sought refuge in one bedroom.
They then heard the intruder breaking through the front door and a short time later the bedroom door was forced open too.
Cooney appeared and shouted: "Get my f****** car back."
However, he eventually seemed to realise his mistake and left the house.
Police officers arrived and found the occupants in a "distressed" state.
Cooney said two men had stolen his car and he gave chase.
His lawyer told the court: "He thought they had entered this particular house, but he was completely mistaken and this was the wrong house.
"He shouldn't have taken the law into his own hands. Thankfully, he came to his senses and left.
"He was affected by alcohol and is extremely sorry.
"There is a favourable criminal justice social work report and he is in a good job."
Sheriff Thomas Millar told Cooney: "This was extremely frightening for the residents of the house because of your mistaken identity."
Cooney was fined £420, payable at £50 per month.
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