A TEENAGE dad who believed his baby was about to be kidnapped smashed the door and a window at a property in Friday Bridge – and then discovered he had targeted the wrong home. Craig Downer was so remorseful that he immediately dialled 999, told the polic

A TEENAGE dad who believed his baby was about to be kidnapped smashed the door and a window at a property in Friday Bridge - and then discovered he had targeted the wrong home.

Craig Downer was so remorseful that he immediately dialled 999, told the police about his mistake, and waited to be arrested.

And the occupants of the damaged bungalow - 84-year-old Reggie Racey and his wife -- were left shaken and upset by the incident, magistrates were told this week as Downer, 18, of Cherry Road, Wisbech, admitted causing criminal damage.

Downer damaged the bungalow by kicking in the front door and throwing a brick through the window, said Scheherazade Haque, prosecuting.

"He then realised it was not the house he was looking for," she said. "To his credit he called 999 and waited for the police to arrest him." The damage cost �160.10 to repair.

In a statement to the police, pensioner Mr Racey said he suffered from chronic arthritis and angina, and had suffered many heart attacks.

"Being woken with such a start is not good for me," he added. "My wife has health issues, this incident has left her shaken and upset, it is not good for her health."

Mitigating, Michael Hinchliffe said Downer, had received a threat, claiming that a man was planning to kidnap his five-month child.

"He went to the house where he believed that man lived," said Mr Hinchliffe. "The damage was caused, then he realised an elderly gentleman lived in the house, and he felt extremely guilty and remorseful. He appreciates the fear he caused the occupants."

Downer was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.