A MAN who burgled a Shepton Mallet property before driving off in the victim’s car will be sentenced next month after being caught driving it around almost a week later.

George Jones broke into a property in Cornwall Road during the morning of Saturday, October 14, and stole a quantity of cash, clothing, mobile phones and a car key.

He then used the car keys to drive off with the victim’s car.

Images of the suspect were obtained and it led to Jones being identified within a couple of days.

The stolen vehicle was spotted in Shepton Mallet – being driven by Jones – on Friday, October 20, and he was arrested.

The 22-year-old was charged with one count of burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, and two counts each of driving the stolen vehicle without insurance or a licence authorising use of that car.

He pleaded guilty to the offences at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Monday (October 23).

Jones, of no fixed address, also pleaded guilty to two unrelated thefts that happened in Glastonbury on Tuesday, September 26. These were the theft of a handbag containing cash, as well as shoplifting alcohol from a store.

PC Jim Card, officer in the case, said: “George Jones’ involvement was quickly established by officers and the fact he was caught driving the stolen vehicle meant he had little option but to plead guilty to multiple offences.

“He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Monday, November 20.

“We are pleased to bring the offender so quickly before the courts, and to return the stolen vehicle to its rightful owner.”