Joao Sales, 37, intimidated the homeowner in order to ‘cuckoo’ his Great Yarmouth property between September and October last year.

The term refers to when the home of a vulnerable person is taken over by criminals who use it as a base for illegal activities, like drug dealing.

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Norwich Crown Court was told the victim had felt threatened when Sales went to his home armed with a knife.

Oliver Haswell, prosecuting, said: "While being in the victim’s home and having weapons with him his behaviour left him in fear of violence.”

He said the victim was “very vulnerable” with concerns about whether he would have been able to give evidence in a trial.

Sales, of Stephenson Close in Great Yarmouth, had denied making threats with a knife and assault but the prosecution accepted a basis of plea after he admitted dealing in crack and heroin.

The court was told those offences carried sufficient sentencing powers for guilty pleas to be acceptable.

Sales appeared before the court via video link from HMP Norwich and was remanded to remain in prison until he is sentenced on June 5.

© Eastern Daily Press