A WOMAN subjected an elderly disabled man to a frightening ordeal after mistaking his house for her ex-boyfriend's, magistrates heard.

Janet McKee had been binge drinking when she hammered on the door of the house in Emlyn Square, breaking the glass.

She admitted assaulting a woman police officer and causing criminal damage to a door.

Becky Abbott, prosecuting, said police were called on the night of November 18 after she attempted to smash her way into the home of a 71-year-old stranger.

McKee, 39, of Dogridge, Purton, was found nearby on the floor, apparently asleep. Her right arm was badly cut.

When the police roused her she became hostile then started screaming and lashing out.

After she was handcuffed she struggled and as she was being taken to the police car she kicked one of the officers in the leg several times.

When they reached the police station she kicked her again.

Later, during police interviews, she apologised and appeared ashamed of what she had done.

Andrew Hobson, for McKee, said the assault had been very out of character.

She had written and apologised to the officer.

During the evening she had gone out for a drink with friends, but had not intended to drink as much as she did.

McKee had been aiming to go round to the home of a man with whom she had had a difficult relationship. But she mistook the next door neighbour's house for his.

She had no idea that an elderly and disabled man lived there and she appreciated the distress she had caused.

On Tuesday Swindon magistrates fined her £50 for each offence, with £34 court costs. She was also ordered to pay £50 to Swindon Council for the broken door and £150 compensation to the police officer.

Tina Clarke