A DUMBARTON man was caught sleeping on a complete stranger’s bed on his way from Ayrshire to his home town, a court has heard.

The “bizarre” case involved Martin Meechan, 47, who admitted being caught in the home where it could be inferred he intended to commit a theft.

But there was no suggestion that Meechan, of Whiteford Avenue in Bellsmyre, had that plan - nor was there any explanation why he was there.

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court on August 24, fiscal depute Claire O’Hagan said two brothers were at home in Laurel Avenue, Dalmuir, on July 27, 2020.

One decided to go to the shops and left his brother playing video games.

He didn’t lock the door as someone else was home.

When he returned about 15 minutes later, he went straight to the living room and stayed there until he needed to use the bathroom.

As he passed his parents’ bedroom, the door was open and he saw a man lying on the bed in a dark Canada Goose jacket.

“He immediately recognised no-one in the family had a jacket like this,” said the prosecutor.

“He entered the room and confronted the male.

"As soon as he entered, he knew he didn’t recognise him.

“He asked who he was and what he was doing at the address.”

Meechan, the court heard, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, and the son called his parents, who contacted police.

The brothers’ mother immediately returned from work.

Officers arrived and found Meechan in the conservatory.

Due to his level of intoxication, he was not cautioned or charged at that point.

Defence solicitor Brian McGuire admitted it was `a “bizarre case”.

He said: “I have never come across anything like this before.

“His mother lives in Ayrshire. He was travelling from Ayrshire to Dumbarton and for whatever reason he must have got off the train at Dalmuir and he goes into this house and is asleep in this bed.

“It must have been a considerable shock to the persons there.

“He cannot even explain the logic of why he would be in that house.”

Mr McGuire said his client was engaging with Alcoholics Anonymous and other addiction services.

Sheriff Hugh McGinty told Meechan:“You came very close to death as a result of your alcohol problem.”

He deferred sentence for Meechan to be of good behaviour but he must also bring proof he is maintaining contact with addiction services.

The sheriff added: “If you do, you will be admonished.”