A long-time burglar has “returned to his old habit” targeting licensed premises earlier this year after a lengthy period remaining trouble-free, a court heard.

Robert Coles was due to stand trial at Durham Crown Court on August 30 after denying 13 counts of either burglary or attempted burglary, all said to have been committed between March and May.

But his case returned to court for a pre-trial hearing, last Friday (August 19), when Andrew Finlay, prosecuting, said following consideration of pleas to some of the counts by the defendant, “we have come to terms”, avoiding the need for a trial.

The case was adjourned until today when the 46-year-old defendant, of Argent Street, Easington Colliery, appeared back before the court via video link from nearby Durham Prison.

Read more: Man charged with series of burglaries in Horden

He admitted two of the counts each of burglary and attempted burglary, as well as a new charge of handling stolen goods, relating to vehicle registration plates and documents, plus a battery, replacing one of the other burglary offences.

Mr Finlay said those pleas were considered “acceptable” by the Crown.

The premises involved in the four charges of either burglary or attempted burglary were Peterlee and Horden Rugby Club, Horden Conservative Club, Horden Labour Club and Horden Legion Club.

Judge James Adkin said he would adjourn for preparation of a background report on Coles by the Probation Service prior to sentence, next month.

Read more: Future of Durham city restaurant 'left in jeopardy' after burglary

He told the defendant: “You have now pleaded guilty to a number of charges on the indictment.

“Those pleas are considered acceptable now, so there is no need for a jury trial.

“I’ll adjourn for a pre-sentence report.

“This appears to have been a flare up of your offending after a long period when you have not offended.

“Just because I’m adjourning for a report, don’t think I have decided what the sentence will be.

“But it means the trial, next week, can be vacated.”

Coles remains in custody to be sentenced on September 16.

Read next:

               County Durham man returned home to discover burglary

               Burglar took keys to family's Audi car at County Durham home

               'Third-strike' County Durham burglar starting latest long sentence

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here