When inconsiderate party animal Gregory McCalium burst into his elderly neighbour’s house in a drink-fuelled rage, little did he know what he was up against.

One could forgive 71-year-old Frank Corti for being scared stiff as McCalium waved a knife at the pensioner in a fit of pique.

But scared isn’t a word in Mr Corti’s vocabulary.

Instead, the Second World War veteran pinned the thug against the wall and, in an act that will bring cheer to scores of householders who consider their home their castle, thumped the burglar. Twice.

The result of their encounter is clear to see. Thug 0. Pensioner 1.

Last night, in an astonishing understatement, Mr Corti said he only did what anyone in his situation would have done.

Not so.

Homeowners the length and breadth of the country are scared stiff about protecting their own homes, worried that if they so much as lay a finger on the idiot who has broken in, they will end up feeling the long arm of the law.

With his swift and brave actions Mr Corti – a parish councillor and former amateur boxer to boot – struck a blow for everyone who has ever been too frightened to defend their property.

What is certain is McCalium picked on the wrong man.

Perhaps he will contemplate his cowardly actions during his spell in prison — and learn not to pick fights with pensioners in future.