A man has admitted to two house burglaries in the Consett area, in one of which he took car keys enabling him to steal a vehicle parked outside.

Brandon Luke Fettis appeared at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing via video link from the city’s nearby prison, where he is detained on remand.

Charges on two indictments were put to him during the hearing.

The 26-year-old defendant admitted a charge of burglary at a house in Roseberry Terrace, Consett, in which he stole a mini motorbike on January 16 this year.

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On the second indictment he pleaded guilty to a count of burglary relating to a break-in at a house in Dunelm Way, Leadgate, in which a set of car keys were taken, on November 14, last year.

Fettis also admitted a second count of theft of a Dacia Duster car on the same day.

But he denied a count of escaping lawful custody in Consett, on November 15.

Prosecution counsel Jonathan Gittins said those pleas were considered “acceptable” by the Crown and the escape charge would not be pursued and left on the file.

The Northern Echo:

Tony Davis, for Fettis, asked for preparation of a background report on his client prior to sentence.

“He’s been out of trouble for some time, but he’s had a problem with crack cocaine.”

Mr Davis said the defendant hopes engagement with the DART (Drug and Alcohol Recovery Team) in prison will help him to overcome issues with drugs.

Judge James Adkin agreed to adjourn to allow preparation of a Probation Service report on the defendant.

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But he told him: “Just because I’m adjourning your case don’t think I have decided what the sentence will be.

“That will be decided when the case comes back to court next month.”

The 26-year-old defendant, said to be of no fixed abode, but formerly of Leadgate, was remanded to remain in custody until the sentencing hearing, on March 8.