This is Tamworth --A BURGLAR who had already broken into two garages earlier in the day was caught after a North Warwickshire householder found him lurking in the garden.
Warwick Crown Court heard that Jamie Albrighton had carried out the burglaries because he was being threatened over a "very large" drugs debt.
Albrighton, aged 24, of Manor Road, Atherstone, appeared at the court after pleading guilty to two charges of burgling domestic garages and one of going equipped for burglary.
Prosecutor Paul Dhami said that on February 10, a 14-year-old girl was in her bedroom at her home in Mancetter Road, Atherstone, when she saw a man in the garden putting something into a bag.
The girl bravely went outside to confront Albrighton, who had stolen keys and other property from the garage.
When he was challenged he made off – but, it turned out, only to the garage of the house next door from where he then stole a £600 electric saw.
The owner went out to confront him and gave chase, barefoot, as Albrighton fled, but could not catch him.
Three hours later another householder saw Albrighton lurking in the garden of his home in Arden Close, Atherstone, and managed to detain him before calling the police.
When he was questioned Albrighton denied any wrong-doing, despite having some of the property from the first burglary on him.
Mr Dhami added that Albrighton had 24 convictions for 47 offences, including dwelling and non-dwelling burglaries.
Simon Marlow-Ridley, defending, said there was no evidence that Albrighton was "going equipped" at the time.
They had taken place during the afternoon when people were around, and at least one of the garages was open.
Explaining why Albrighton had committed the offences, Mr Marlow-Ridley said: "He has a very large drugs debt, and he has been stabbed in the past as a result of not paying it. He was told he would be beaten up unless he paid £250 of it within 24 hours."
Mr Marlow-Ridley added that there was a recommendation that Albrighton, who had spent 22 days in custody, could be assessed for a place at a hostel, and there was a place available for him.
Judge Marten Coates adjourned the case for the assessment to take place, and granted Albrighton bail. Reported by This is 25 minutes ago.