A 29-year-old man has admitted a burglary and an attempted burglary, both in Worcestershire.

Paul Gurney of Deacle Place, Evesham, appeared over videolink at Worcester Crown Court yesterday from HMP Cardiff where he remains remanded in custody.

He pleaded guilty to an attempted burglary at Queen Anne Cottage in Peopleton, near Pershore on September 3 this year when he was arraigned by the crown court clerk yesterday.

He had already admitted a burglary which took place at Broughton Hackett near Worcester when he appeared before magistrates at Kidderminster on September 5 this year.

Judge Robert Juckes QC said time spent by Gurney in custody on remand would count towards any custodial sentence that was imposed for these matters. Only two out of three criminal courts were sitting at Worcester and the judge had 14 cases to deal with in one day, including a large sentence with four defendants.

He said: "Given the list I still have to deal with what I would like to do is put this back for seven days."

He said a stand-down report could be prepared by the probation service on the day of sentence, a view supported by prosecutor John Brotherton and defence advocate Belinda Ariss.

Miss Ariss said her client would like to appear at court for the next hearing rather than over the link. Judge Juckes ordered that Gurney be produced at the hearing next Tuesday. "You understand it's bound to be a custodial sentence?" said Judge Juckes.

The defendant answered: "I do your Honour."

Judge Juckes further explained that he would not necessarily be the sentencing judge at that hearing.

Gurney was remanded in custody in the meantime.