Russell Purfield burgled home in Bewdley Street, Evesham

Russell Purfield, aged 41, of Bewdley Street, Evesham, entered the property on April 8 last year when the occupier was upstairs, Worcester Magistrates Court heard. 

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said the homeowner was doing housework that day and left his porch and front door. 

BURGLAR: Russell Purfield burgled a property in Chestnut Close, Hampton, Evesham (Image: Google)

Mr Beale said: "This is just before 11am in the morning and the victim was upstairs for 10 minutes. 

"When he comes downstairs he realises two coats are missing. 

"He walked his dog and found the two coats. 

"He checked his CCTV and saw the defendant leaving his property."

Mr Beale said the coats were by the door of the property in Chestnut Close, Hampton, while Purfield went into the property and into the garage, stealing a battery and a charger.

Paul Stanley, defending, said the victim had been unaware Purfield had been on the premises and the crime had been committed on impulse when the defendant saw the door open. 

COURT: Russell Purfield appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

Mr Stanley said Purfield had admitted the charge of burglary, dwelling and theft at the first opportunity. 

The solicitor said Purfield deeply regretted the offence and appealed to deputy district judge David Gittins, if he was considering a custodial sentence, to keep it as short as possible. 

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The district judge told the defendant to stand before saying: "This isn't your first time before the courts, or your first time for burglary."

The judge said the offence was serious due to the 76-year-old homeowner being in the property at the time. 

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Mr Gittins said he felt his powers were insufficient to deal with the matter at magistrates court, sending the case to the higher crown court. 

Purfield was told his sentence would take place at Worcester Crown Court on April 14. 

Mr Gittins added Purfield, who appeared on videolink, would be remanded in custody until that date.

The case was heard at the court on March 9.