A DOG walker who allegedly made herself at home in a stranger’s home has denied burglary.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard the alleged victim arrived home after being sent home sick from work to find Karen Naylor, 45, wandering around the property with her own dog.

The bench heard when the victim realised what had happened, they locked the house, in Thornwood, Colchester, with Naylor inside and called the police.

Barry Hargreaves, prosecuting, said: “The defendant continued walking around.

“She used the toilet and began washing her trainers in the downstairs sink until the police arrived.

“She left a key, dog lead and a pair of socks in the victim’s house.

“They were bizarre circumstances.”

Naylor, of Princess Drive, Colchester, admits being at the address and suggested she was led there by a vision.

She also told the court she had no “ill intent”.

Ralph Piggott, defending, made no representations.

Naylor was granted conditional bail until October 23 when she will appear again Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Chairman of the bench, Jeremy Batchelor, said: “You will be well advised to get legal advice on this.

“It is a serious matter.”

Naylor was also ordered to keep away from Thornwood.