A BURGLAR shinned up his Herefordshire neighbour's drainpipe after the householder went to hospital to collect his newborn baby, Worcester Crown Court heard.

But as Roger Evans tried to break in through Gary Darby's bathroom window he was caught.

The mother of Hayley Griffiths - Mr Darby's partner - had come round to the house to make preparations for the return of her daughter and baby, said prosecutor William Rickarby.

Mrs Janet Griffiths heard the noise of objects being knocked off a window cill and was shocked to discover 35-year-old Evans with his head and shoulders already through the window.

He explained to police that he was breaking in to let the dog out because it was disturbing him by barking.

Guilty plea

Evans, of Bridge Street, Kington, Herefordshire, pleaded guilty to burglary on the day he was due to face a retrial. He had a criminal record for dishonesty.

Judge David Matthews remanded him in custody and ordered a pre-sentence report.

The prosecutor said Evans was living next door to the victim on the Eywood Estate, Titley, near Kington, on May 27 last year.

Mr Darby went out just after 10am to fetch his partner and baby back from hospital in Hereford.

Evans then seized the opportunity to burgle his home. When Mrs Griffiths challenged him, Evans, who had been drinking, said he wanted to see Mr Darby. But he told police the dog had been shut in the porch and he intended to let it out.

Defence counsel Gareth Walters said Evans, an alcoholic, broke in to look for drink.