A MAN found in a veterinary nurse's private flat told the nurse he was looking for treatment for his girlfriend's injured dog, a court heard yesterday.

Prosecutor Alison Whiteley told Harrogate magistrates that when Daniel Ward was disturbed in the premises in King's Road, Harrogate, he fled.

Ward had claimed the injured dog was outside in a car.

Ward, 24, pleaded guilty to burglary and asked for five offences of theft from shops, including one involving a charity collecting box, to be taken into consideration.

Mrs Whiteley said Ward, of Fisher Gardens, Knaresborough, had been confronted in the flat by veterinary nurse Louise Matthews who had been working in the vet's offices on the ground floor when she had heard footsteps above and a squeaking door.

After telling Ms Matthews he was looking for treatment for the dog, Ward then swore at her and left.

When he had gone she had found her PlayStation had been moved.

Ward's solicitor, Geoffrey Rogers, said Ward had initially gone to the vet's for a legitimate reason but after finding his way to the flat by mistake, he decided to steal.

Mr Rogers said Ward had left when confronted without offering any violence or threats.

Magistrates called for probation reports to be prepared.

Ward, who made no application for bail, was remanded in custody for sentence on December 7.