A woman who vandalised a stranger’s home in Blackburn following a drinking binge has been jailed for eight months.

Preston Crown Court heard that the 69-year-old victim had slowly opened her front door on Anglesey Street after hearing noises late at night and thinking someone might be in need of help.

Kirsty Fielding then barged in, caused £2,800 worth of damage and left the householder ‘very upset and frightened’.

Fielding, 21, of Kingsbridge Wharf, Blackburn admitted burglary with intent to do unlawful damage.

Emma Kehoe, prosecuting, said a retired woman lived alone at the address. She was woken in the early hours by loud noises outside.

She became concerned when the noises got louder and louder. Thinking someone might be in need of help, she went downstairs and opened the front door little by little.

Defending, Richard Prew told the court: “If ever there was a greater advert against the dangers of binge drinking, this must be it.

“The defendant feels a sense of disgust in respect of her own behaviour on this particular night. It was a night that should never have ended in a display of such aggression and absolut.”

Judge Anthony Russell QC said: “You created mayhem in this woman’s house. For such a serious offence of burglary it is not appropriate for the sentence to be suspended.”