Newton Aycliffe man admits burglary after car stolen

Dwayne Ashley Grimes appeared at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing, via video link from Holme House Prison, Stockton, where he is on remand.

He admitted a charge of burglary of a property in Scott Place, Newton Aycliffe, on June 13.

Car keys were stolen in the burglary as well as the keys to an e-scooter and its charging system.

The defendant also admitted a charge of aggravated vehicle taking, in being a passenger in a Volvo car taken without consent which was involved in an accident, causing damage to a Seat car.

As Grimes is now a third-strike burglar he falls to be sentenced to the mandatory three-year custodial starting point.

Ralf Xhepa, representing Grimes, asked for a background report to be prepared by the Probation Service prior to sentence being passed.

Mr Xhepa said this was due to the backdrop of serious tragedies which have befallen the defendant’s family in recent years, leading him into the misuse of crack cocaine, which escalated, contributing to the commission of the offences.

He added that the defendant had been seeking help for his mental health prior to being remanded in custody for the offences.

Agreeing to the request, Judge Richard Bennett told Mr Xhepa: “It’s a shame he didn’t indicate a guilty plea when he appeared at the lower court, so he could have been sentenced today, instead of stringing it out.”

Addressing the defendant, the judge told him: “You have pleaded guilty today to these two offences.

“I had intended to sentence you today, and would have, had you had the good sense to plead guilty at the lower court.

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“The fact I’m adjourning for the report shouldn’t give you any hope or expectation that you won’t receive anything other than the mandatory sentence for a third strike burglar.

“We’ll see you again next month, when you will now be sentenced.”

Judge Bennett remanded Grimes, of Whinlatter Place, Newton Aycliffe, to remain in custody pending the sentencing hearing on August 20.