Police called out to deal with a complaint about vandalism found the culprit fast asleep outdoors next to the debris pulled from a Moray home.
When Michael Mair, from Lochill near Lhanbryde, tried to pull a drain pipe off a home in Buckie on May 20 the residents called for emergency assistance.
Officers initially succeeded in encouraging the 37-year-old to leave the area – but just 40 minutes later they were called again to South Pringle Street after he returned.
Yesterday, Mair appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court after admitting wilfully or recklessly damaging or destroying property.
Fiscal Alex Swain revealed that residents initially became concerned after hearing “banging” coming from outside their living room window shortly before 1am.
She said: “The resident tried to engage the accused in conversation. He went outside to speak to him and saw him pulling at a drain pipe.
“The police were contacted, where they offered advice to the accused and offered him a lift home, which he refused.
“At about 1.25am a separate person saw the accused pulling at the drain pipe and made the resident aware.
“Police were contacted again, they too saw the damage to the drain pipe and wiring and the accused was seen to be lying on the ground sleeping.”
Miss Swain described Mair as “intoxicated” when speaking to locals at the time.
Defence solicitor Stephen Carty explained his client had suffered from a “significant” problem with drugs and alcohol in the past.
He said: “I think Mr Mair would benefit from a period of liberty to give him a chance to comply with a community-based order.
“He’s aware that if he doesn’t then the court will be left with only one option.”
Mair, of Country Houses at Lochill, has been placed under supervision for 18 months and was ordered to pay £100 compensation for the damage caused.
