A TEENAGER responsible for ”an explosion” of domestic break-ins in recent months is facing an “inevitable” spell behind bars.

The warning was given to Steven James Renwick, after he admitted carrying out six burglaries of properties in the Durham area, between September and January.

He also admitted breaching a criminal behaviour order, by trespassing in a building, plus further offences of theft, carrying a bladed article in public and class C drug possession.

Durham Crown Court heard the break-ins included homes in Front Street, Langley Moor, plus two in North Road, and one in Allergate, near the city centre.

Renwick was also said to have taken part in the day-time burglary of living quarters above the Fighting Cocks pub, in South Street, Durham, in which he was confronted, on Saturday January 21.

It led to a police search, involving a force helicopter, and chase, through a nearby church graveyard, before he was captured while trying to hide in a garden near Durham Archery Tennis Club.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, told the court that Renwick’s admissions mean he will be subject to a mandatory minimum three-year sentence as a “third strike” burglar, following convictions for previous break-ins, in May and October, last year, for which he received youth rehabilitation orders, as a 17-year-old offender.

Renwick, now 18, of Park Close, Langley Park, appeared in court via video link from nearby Durham Prison, where he has been on remand since January.

Requesting preparation of a pre-sentence background report, by the Probation Service, Christopher McKee, for the defendant, told the court: “I’m well aware there’s likely to be an inevitable prison sentence.

“He’s a young man and there has been a series of offences, escalating in seriousness, in the last few months.”

Agreeing to adjourn sentence for the reports, Judge Christopher Prince said: “It’s rather worrying that there has been this explosion of offences for a 17/18-year-old.”

Remanding him to remain in custody, Judge Prince told Renwick: “You will receive a custodial sentence. It’s inevitable. It’s really only a question of how long.

“It’s time someone spoke to you and gives me as much information as possible before I pass sentence.”