A MAN with a history of burglary and robbery offences on his record is facing another long stretch behind bars.

It follows a guilty plea tended by defendant Gary Littlefair to a charge of robbery, at Durham Crown Court yesterday.

Appearing via video link from neighbouring Durham Prison, the 38-year-old defendant, of Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, admitted the offence.

It stems from the taking of a wallet and its contents from a man on Saturday July 17.

Amrit Jandoo, for Littlefair, asked for preparation of psychiatric and probation reports before he is sentenced.

Mr Jandoo said the defendant has expressed having mental health issues and a medical report could assist over his perceived “dangerousness”, given his offending history.

“It may help to have some information in that respect to assist the court when it comes to sentencing.”

Agreeing to the request, Recorder Alex Menary told Mr Jandoo: “This is a serious offence and the previous matter on which he was recalled to prison is a burglary.

“It seems to me, bearing in mind the nature of this offence, and the fact it was a relatively recent robbery, we need these reports to assess the risk he poses, so I do want an assessment of dangerousness.”

Addressing Littlefair, Recorder Menary said: “You have had the good sense to plead guilty, and the fact you have will go in your favour when you are sentenced.”

He was remanded to remain in custody until the sentencing hearing, on October 12.

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