A TEENAGER has admitted carrying out a domestic burglary while armed with three knives.

The 16-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated burglary during a short appearance at Durham Crown Court.

It relates to a day-time break-in, in Victoria Terrace, Cockfield, near Bishop Auckland, on Monday January 9.

He was said to be in possession of a machete, a black-handled knife and a lock knife at the time a male householder returned to the property in late afternoon.

During the subsequent confrontation, the victim managed to detain the intruder in the garage.

John Turner, representing the defendant, asked for sentence to be adjourned to allow for preparation of reports on his client by both the Youth Offending Service and an adolescent psychologist.

“There are good reasons for both reports as he has complicated problems and a complicated background.

“It goes without saying this is a serious offence.

“By agreement with the prosecution we are looking at a starting point for sentence in the highest category.

“But, he’s a young man with not a lot of offending history.”

Judge Christopher Prince remanded the defendant back into custody, to be sentenced on Friday March 10.

But, he added: “All sentencing options will be open to the court.”