Neighbours found a Hamilton man "shaking and crying" after he witnessed his home being broken into in the middle of the night.
Bizarrely, culprit John Haley then returned to the crime scene, offering to pay for what he had stolen.
Haley, 41, of Woodside Walk in the town, appeared at the town's sheriff court this week.
He admitted stealing clothing and electrical equipment after breaking into a flat in John Street while on bail in August 2020.
Haley also admitted shouting and brandishing a screwdriver in the street.
Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, said the householder was lying awake in bed when he heard a loud bang at 1.30am.
He got up to find Haley in his living room, helping himself to items including an iPad.
Ms Mathieson told the court: "The man was so traumatised he returned to his bedroom and closed the door.
"A short time later he re-entered the living room and noted the accused had gone.
"He ran to a neighbour's flat, shaking and crying, and explained that someone had broken into his property.
"While he was speaking to the neighbours, the accused returned, shouting 'I came back to give you the money for it'.
"He was seen to have a number of items concealed under his top and had a screwdriver in his hand.
"The accused then walked away and the police were contacted.
"The value of the items stolen was £345 and there was full recovery."
Defence agent Ian Scott said Haley has been subject to a community payback order recently and appears to be making "very encouraging progress".
He has been under a bail curfew since August 2020.
Sheriff Liam Murphy deferred sentence until next month for background reports and continued Haley's bail.
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