Sunderland burglar admits breaking into neighbouring branches of Costa Coffee and Domino's Pizza

Luke Alexander Brice must now wait until an “all options report” is prepared before learning his fate after he pleaded guilty to the two charges.

Brice, 20, of Woodburn Drive, Houghton, admitted breaking into Domino’s Pizza, in Newbottle Street, Houghton, and stealing till draws and mobile phones worth £3,600 on October 21.

He also pleaded guilty to burgling nearby Costa Coffee and taking £90 of cash and vouchers on the same date.

A third charge of failing to surrender to custody on November 4 was withdrawn when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

Brice received conditional bail to return to the court on Friday, December 4, while a pre-sentence report is prepared.

He was warned, however, that “the court retains the power to commit to crown court for sentence”.

As part of his conditional bail, Brice must follow the terms of an electronic curfew by staying at his Woodburn Drive address between 7pm-7am.

Northumbria Police told the Echo just after the raids how they were called to the scene at around 5.30am after neighbours had been woken by “a suspicious banging noise”.

The force said Police Dog Raven picked up a scent and found a till that had been smashed up along with a quantity of cash.

A search of the area was carried out and police soon spotted an intruder lurking near Costa.

Further details about the case are expected to be revealed when Brice is sentenced.

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