A THIRD-STRIKE burglar was warned to expect the mandatory minimum of a three-year prison sentence.

It followed Brian Gilchrist’s ‘guilty’ pleas to charges of burglary and theft during a short hearing via video link to Holme House Prison, Stockton, at Durham Crown Court.

The charges relate to a break-in at a house in Third Street, Horden, County Durham, on August 4, in which a television, a large haul of computer games equipment and other items of property were taken.

But, also the theft of woman’s handbag, at a market, on August 28.

It contained two purses, an iPad mini, a mobile phone, a £20 note, house keys and a driving licence.

Jane Waugh, for Gilchrist, requested the preparation of a pre-sentence background report on her client by the Probation Service.

She said: “He is a ‘third strike’ burglar, and aware of the usual prison sentence imposed on such offenders, but there is a background in this case.”

Judge Robert Adams agreed and told the defendant: “You have pleaded ‘guilty’ to both counts, including a third qualifying burglary and, in the normal course that attracts a three-year sentence, unless I’m persuaded it would be unjust to impose such a sentence.”

Gilchrist, 37, of Laing Square, Wingate, County Durham, was remanded in custody to be brought to court for sentence on Friday October 24.