A PROLIFIC criminal expects to be jailed after pleading guilty to a number of house burglaries and Audi car thefts.

Kevin King Yates, 25, appeared in the dock at Burnley Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to five burglaries and four car thefts committed earlier this year.

The court heard how between January 2 and January 6 he burgled a house in Tennyson Road, Colne, and stole a car key, watch and clothing. Between the same period he stole a red Volkswagen Golf belonging to Matthew Hacking.

Between January 10 and January 13 King Yates burgled a house in Colne Road, Barnoldswick, and stole a watch and quantity of cash.

During the same period he burgled a house in Meadowfield Close, Whalley and stole car keys and two laptops.

He went on to steal an Audi A5 belonging to John Haworth.

Between January 23 and January 26 King Yates burgled a house in Lower Manor Lane, Burnley, and stole a car key. He then stole an Audi A4 belonging to Zachery Price.

The court was told between January 23 and January 26 King Yates burgled a house in Queens Road West, Accrington, and stole an Audi car key. He then stole an Audi A3 belonging to Clive Edmonds.

Defending, Mark Stuart said his client knew he would be sentenced as a three-strike burglar so knew a lengthy jail sentence was inevitable. But he asked for an adjournment to allow the defence more times to study documents relating to the case.

Judge Sara Dodd remanded King Yates, of Comrie Crescent, Burnley, back into custody until his sentencing date on July 10.

King Yates hit the headlines late last year when police issued a wanted appeal for him, describing him as being “desperate to avoid capture” and urging the public not to approach him.

He was captured two months later in Blackpool.