The 28-year-old man told the Thessaloniki court that he was unable to explain his behaviour, which caused him great embarrassment.

He said that he had no intention of breaking the law or harming anybody.

His neighbours said that the man was never aggressive when he visited their properties.

The man had been arrested on October 8 in the small town of Sindos after a neighbour called the police.

He was found sniffing the family’s shoes, which had been left outside to air.

The man was ordered to attend therapy.