A MAN who broke into a Chinese takeaway at night, while carrying a machete, was told to expect to receive, “a substantial custodial sentence.”

The warning was given to Adam Barrass, after the 31-year-old defendant, of Coronation Terrace, in Stanley, admitted aggravated burglary.

He previously also admitted possessing an article with a blade or point.

Durham Crown Court was told the offence took place at the King’s Fayre restaurant, in New Kyo, near Stanley, in the early hours of May 21.

The prosecution claims more than one man entered the Mulberry Terrace, at some point after 2am.

During the break-in, fridges were opened, with frozen food containers left strewn across the premises.

Lorraine Mustard, for Barrass, said his plea was on the basis he was not acting with an accomplice at the time.

Judge James Adkin said, if necessary, he would oversee a trial of issue, if it remains a point of contention when the case come back to court for sentence, in four weeks.

He told Barrass: “There are still issues about the background of the offending, but, you must understand whatever a judge decides, you must expect to serve a substantial custodial sentence for this offence.”

Barrass was remanded to remain in custody until the hearing, on Monday September 27.

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