Swaffham woman Imogen Cronin thought she returned home after drinking - but was in stranger’s house in Feltwell

A family were alarmed when they found a drunk woman standing in their living room one night - who believed she was in her own home despite living miles away.

Imogen Cronin, 24, of Bumble Close in Swaffham, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where she admitted being drunk and disorderly and causing criminal damage.

Prosecutor Paul Brown explained that the incident took place on March 11 at 10pm, when Cronin was drinking in Feltwell and thought she would return home.

“It was quite clear she was drunk, so drunk she went into somebody else’s address,” said Mr Brown.

The court heard that she went into a stranger’s home, thinking it was her own.

Baffled, the homeowner said: “Excuse me, who are you?” with Cronin replying: “I live here”.

The homeowner informed her that she did not live there, and Cronin apologised and proceeded to leave through the back entrance of the house and attempted to scale the fence.

On her way out, she slammed the back door repeatedly, causing damage to its hinges.

The victim was concerned for Cronin’s welfare and the police were called. She was later arrested.

The court was told that Cronin had been drinking at a friend’s house in Feltwell at around 3pm that day and was dependent on alcohol.

That day, she had drank two bottles of wine and couldn’t remember the incident - but was remorseful for her actions.

In mitigation, George Sorrell explained that Cronin is seeking help for her alcohol addiction and has made progress.

“Since then, she hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol. As a result of alcohol, she lost her mind,” said Mr Sorrell.

Cronin was ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the victim whose house she entered and pay court costs of £50.