Burglar used car stolen in one raid to flee from another
ALEX SCAPENS
APROLIFIC burglar who used a car stolen from one house as a getaway from another break-in has been warned he faces jail.
Charlie John David Hope, 21, of Accrington, targeted four houses in little over six weeks also taking jewellery, cash, a games console, two other cars and sunglasses, Burnley Crown Court heard.
He admitted four charges of burglary and three of theft at homes in Accrington in a spree running from June 14 to July 31 this year.
Hope will also have a fifth burglary taken into consideration in which he was seen using a Volkswagen Golf stolen at a previous break-in.
Judge Jonathan Gibson said: “You have pleaded guilty to offences which are serious, you are in a serious position where custody is certainly more likely than not.
“But the decision is for the judge on the day at the sentencing hearing.”
Prosecuting, Lisa Worsley outlined the crimes Hope, of Wilfred Street, had committed.
They began with a burglary at Hudson Street in which electrical items and jewellery were taken along with the keys to a Ford Fiesta.
He then drove off in the vehicle, which gave rise to a charge of theft.
Next Hope struck at a home on Foxwood Chase stealing a wallet, cash, sunglasses and keys to a Ford Kuga, which he also stole.
He also took a watch, handbag and money from an address on Lodge Street.
The final charges were for a break-in at Manchester Road where he stole a games console and the keys to the Golf.
Ms Worsley said he was then ‘clearly seen’ in the Golf around the time of a burglary at Fife Street, Accrington, the one the court will take into consideration.
Defending, Hugh Barton said: “This does represent a significant escalation in the offending of this young man.
“He attended promptly today with his mother and sister and he has been assisting with the taken into consideration matter.”
The case was adjourned to the same court until October 11 for a pre-sentence report.
Hope was bailed on the condition he cooperates with the probation service to have a pre-sentence report produced.