A man has admitted taking part in a well organised burglary of a cash and carry wholesalers, but on the basis he was a mere ‘hired hand’.

Daniel Dodgson pleaded guilty to the burglary at the Batley’s cash and carry premises on Drum Industrial Estate, near Chester-le-Street.

Tobacco products were taken in the break-in which took place overnight between March 1 and 2 this year after a section of the wall was removed.

The 33-year-old defendant, of Kensington Way, Leeds, admitted the charge when he appeared before magistrates last month.

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His case was sent to be sentenced at Durham Crown Court, where Dodgson’s counsel, Sean Smith, asked for a further adjournment to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report on his client by the Probation Service.

Judge Jo Kidd said it appeared to have been a “sophisticated, targeted burglary” by travelling thieves.

But Mr Smith said: “The defence say it may have been sophisticated and planned, but he was a hired hand who left his dna at the scene and had no part in the planning of the offence.”

Agreeing to the adjournment, Judge Kidd said: “The prosecution can either accept or challenge the role he fulfilled.

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“The fact I’m adjourning for a pre-sentence report should not be seen as any indication as to the likely outcome in the case.”

The defendant, who is in custody at nearby Durham Prison, was further remanded to be sentenced at the court on September 29.

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