A COUPLE were woken up by a stranger in their bedroom who went on to tell them he was carrying a blade.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, entered their home in Lennoxtown in the early hours of the morning on January 11 last year.

He went on to punch and try to choke a woman during a struggle.

This week, the Airdrie teenager appeared in the dock at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to assault by punching and attempting to compress the victim’s neck, causing her to fall.

He was also charged with pretending to be in possession of a blade, whilst carrying a screwdriver.

Procurator fiscal depute Laura Martin said: “At 1.30am the complainers were asleep in their bedroom. Both were arisen and observed a male in the bedroom.

“Both exited their bed and attempted to stop the male from leaving. A struggle ensued and he stated, ‘I've got a blade’.

“The complainers were aware that the accused was in possession of a screwdriver, which was retrieved. The accused punched and attempted to choke the female during the struggle.”

The couple noticed that the teenager had a cut above his eye, which was bleeding heavily.

They called the police and tried to restrain him until cops arrived.

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The teenager said, “I'm 15, I'm homeless and I’ve got no money”, before managing to break free and leave.

When officers arrived at their home, they noticed blood in the bedroom and hall, and the screwdriver was seized.

But at around 3am, Police Scotland received a call from the teenager, who informed police that he had walked into the wrong house under the influence and was assaulted by someone using a screwdriver.

Ms Martin added: “He stated he had punched the male and female to get away. Police attended at the address given by the accused. He was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

The teenager’s lawyer admitted that the custody threshold had “well and truly been met”.

He added: “There are alternatives. A community payback order could be imposed. Supervision would help set this young man in the direction away from further criminality.

“He’s already making good progress in the community without any order. He’ll be continuing at college next year.”

Sheriff Charles Lugton said: “This must have been a terrifying experience for these two complainers.

“Custody has to be at the forefront of the court’s mind. That said, by considerable hesitation and of the narrowest margins, I will impose an alternative.”

The teenager was placed under social work supervision and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.