Judge tells Hartlepool burglar he is facing at least three years in jail

Alan Metcalfe, 42, pleaded guilty to burgling a home in West View Road between January 18 and 21.

Teesside Crown Court heard he stole electrical items, bags, purses, banking documents, money and a watch.

It was his fourth burglary and Judge Jonathan Carroll said he is facing a prison sentence of “not less than three years”.

Metcalfe’s barrister asked for sentencing to be adjourned so a medical report could be prepared.

The court heard he was admitted to hospital with a blood clot and has undergone emergency surgery which has affected his mobility.

Judge Carroll said: “Given your track history a custodial sentence is inevitable but given your current medical situation I’m happy to grant an adjournment for a medical report to be prepared.”

Metcalfe, of West View Road, Hartlepool, was remanded in custody.

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