A MUM-OF-TWO was left in a terrified state after she opened her door to thugs in balaclavas.

The woman was pushed into her hallway by one of the intruders, while the other held a knife as they demanded money.

When the complainer revealed she had no cash, the blade-wielding brute was ordered by his partner-in-crime to "go inside – see what you can get".

However the masked youth bottled it, replying: "No, it's too dodgy. Let's go."

When the pair left empty-handed, the frightened victim called the cops and a 17-year-old boy was later arrested for the incident.

Following a police search at the accused's home, the teen was found to be in possession of a blue lock-back knife – which was later identified as the weapon used in the hold-up.

When cautioned and charged, the youth – who cannot be identified due to legal reasons – stated: "It f****** wisnae me."

The accused later pleaded guilty to having a knife in his possession without a reasonable excuse at an address in Greenside Street on December 22 last year.

Fiscal depute Clara Smeaton told Glasgow Sheriff Court that the complainer was at home with her daughter when the thugs knocked on the door at around 6.30pm.

The pair – who were reported as wearing black clothing and balaclavas – shouted about "money being owed to them". Although the accused was holding a knife, he never brandished it towards the woman.

Defending, Andrew Seggie had no issue with the Crown's narrative. However when Sheriff Norman Ritchie questioned why the defendant was wearing a balaclava, the accused became adamant he was not.

Ms Smeaton checked the Crown's paperwork but could not clarify whether both men were wearing a mask or only one. She stated that the teen could have been wearing a balaclava and was recognised by his voice. In the end it was accepted by Sheriff Ritchie that both men hid their faces.

Mr Seggie claimed that his client felt "guilt, regret and shame" towards his behaviour, adding: "It was stupid, reckless and he acted without thought."

Notwithstanding the "horrific nature of the crime", the lawyer asked for an alternative to custody.

Mr Seggie noted: "He is a young man who has a lot to learn from this."

However, Sheriff Ritchie was not impressed the teen committed the offence whilst out on bail for another matter.

He highlighted that there is a huge public concern in respect to young men carrying knives, before adding: "It must have been a terrifying event for this woman."

Sheriff Ritchie deliberated overnight before returning the following morning to sentence the teenager to a Community Payback Order with supervision for 18 months and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within six months.