Burglar facing long prison term

A prolific burglar from Wolverhampton who went on a car crime spree and raided a pub while on the run from prison was facing a lengthy prison sentence this afternoon.

Glynn Wilkes, aged 37, was granted home leave from HMP Hewell in Redditch but instead of returning, went on to steal an Audi from Brindley Used Car Centre in Coven.

He also admitted stealing a Honda and damaging it, breaking into the Thorns Inn pub in Quarry Bank and stealing cash, and made off with £50 of petrol from a garage without paying.

Wilkes, formerly of Coronation Road, Millfields, also admitted dangerous driving in a Peugeot 406 on Armstrong Way in Willenhall when he appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court today.

His crime spree happened during the 44 days he was on the run from Hewell, where he was serving a sentence for commercial burglaries, beginning in August last year.

Mr Gary Cook, prosecuting, said today: "He was granted home leave between August 8 and August 11 last year but he failed to return to Hewell. He committed these offences whiles he was unlawfully at large.

"He has an extensive record spanning 22 years and with innumerable offences."

Judge Rosalind Bush today remanded Wilkes in custody ahead of sentencing on April 8, when she said he was likely to receive a lengthy sentence.