A HOUSEHOLDER was stunned when a door window panel was smashed in the early hours -- and the culprit then apologised and handed over £40 towards the damage.

Burnley Magistrates heard how Michael Raymond Furlong, 30, then damaged a quarter light on somebody else's car.

Furlong, of Cambridge Close, Hapton, admitted two counts of damage, was conditionally discharged for 12 months and must pay £310 in compensation and costs.

Lesley Williams, prosecuting, said at 4am, the complainant was awoken by somebody knocking on his door. He went downstairs and saw the window in the front door was smashed. The victim then recognised the defendant peering through the gap, shouting a man's name.

The occupant said he did not know who the man whose name was being shouted was and Furlong apologised and said he had got the wrong house.

The defendant said he would pay for the damage and handed over two £20 notes to the rather stunned complainant. Mrs Williams said Furlong then went and was seen by another witness to break the quarter light of a van before making off. The damage caused to the house window was £120 and the car was water damaged as a result of the window being broken.

Philip Turner, defending, said Furlong had been drinking and he had been given the name of a person believed to have broken into his car and stolen a mobile telephone.

He went to the house where he thought the man was, banged on the door and the window broke.

He soon realised his mistake, he and the complainant recognised each other immediately and he said he was sorry and handed over the money. Furlong thought the victim was a nice man, was entitled to compensation and he would pay it.

Mr Turner added the defendant did have previous convictions, but the last one was more than four years ago. He was unemployed and caring for his father, who suffered from infirmity.