A Christchurch couple was awakened in the early hours of the morning by a sword-wielding burglar who took their cannabis plant and growing equipment.
The Sumner couple were threatened by Roman Edward Brandon and an associate before they left with the cannabis plant, their growing equipment, tobacco, handbag and wallet containing $280, Christchurch District Court was told.
An occupier of the house who confronted Brandon was told that his girlfriend owed money.
Brandon, 21, a steel worker, from New Brighton, admitted burgling the house while armed with a sword with a 50cm blade.
He told police he could not remember what had happened because he was so drunk.
He is now in custody awaiting sentence on March 6, after Judge Stephen Erber told him, "Serious offending, Mr Brandon".
Brandon was jointly charged with two other people who are being dealt with separately.
