A THIEF who admits stealing £260 from a man at an atm has been told to outline his basis of plea for a court.

Richard Calvert was said to have accompanied the 69-year-old man to a cash machine outside a store in Barnard Castle, on December 5.

After the victim put his cash card and identity number into the machine, intending to withdraw £40, Calvert stepped in and changed the amount to £300.

He withdrew the money and handed the victim £40, leaving with the remaining £260.

Calvert was later picked out by the victim following a police-run identity procedure.

The 44-year-old, of Brockrigg Court, Guisborough, admitted theft at an appearance before magistrates and the case was sent to Durham Crown Court for sentence.

Calvert was said to have a number of offences for dishonesty on his record, having served prison sentences for theft and burglary, including nine-months for inviting himself into an elderly man’s home and helping himself to £60 from his wallet, last year.

Judge Christopher Prince said he was disturbed a pattern of Calvert targeting older victims was emerging.

He asked defence counsel Shaun Dryden to submit the basis of plea in writing to the court and adjourned sentencing until next week.

Calvert was remanded in custody to appear before the court via video link for the re-listed sentencing hearing, on Friday August 9.