A HOMELESS woman has been admonished at Alloa Sheriff Court after breaking into a property because she was so cold outside.

Carla Gardiner, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of maliciously breaking a window, which was changed from housebreaking with intent to steal.

She was caught trying to gain entry by the property’s resident at Ashley Terrace on November 29.

The depute fiscal told the court: “It is quite a sad tale really. She broke a window to get inside.

“The owner came back and saw it. She (Gardiner) said: ‘Sorry, it’s just so cold’.

“The police came and she told them she was cold.”

The 39-year-old's defence agent, Christine Kelly, said: “Gardiner is homeless and resides in a tent at the back of Ashley Terrace. There was no intention to steal anything.

“She has spent 10 days in custody. It is very sad circumstances in which she took a desperate measure.”

Sheriff Simon Collins admonished Gardiner on account of an early plea.