A burglar who raided homes while on bail for other break ins has been told he is facing a lengthy jail term.

Gerald Hicks had been freed after indicating he wanted a trial for a spate of offending in April and September last year when he carried on offending.

But after another crime spree the 46-year-old changed his pleas on the earlier charges to admit what he had done.

And partner in crime Nadia Knott, who was caught with a collection of burgled jewellery and electrical items, also admitted her role in handling stolen goods.

Now Hicks, who has been breaking into homes for 15 years, is facing a mandatory three years sentence as a three strike burglar.

The crook admitted stealing £2,200 from a man on Friday April 21 last year and having his stolen bank card on the same day.

He denied breaking into another flat in the block where he lived a few days later, taking jewellery and electrical goods, and prosecutors said they would not seek a trial.

But in May he admitted raiding a home in Feather Wood, Westlea, and taking a car without the owner's consent.

Then on Friday September 29, he raided a house on Ravenglass Road, Westlea. stealing car keys and £600 in cash.

Hicks appeared before a judge in late October and was released on bail to abide by a night time curfew.

However within two weeks he had burgled a house on Burford Avenue, Old Walcot, stealing four watches and a lap top and another on Furze Close, Sparcells.

And three weeks later he broke into another property on Hamble Road, Haydon Wick, again taking a computer and watches.

Hicks, of Deerhurst Way, Toothill, pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary, one of theft, handling stolen goods and taking a vehicle without consent.

The court was also told that he had been on a 'drive round' with police to admit a number of other offences which will be taken into consideration when he is sentenced.

Nadia Knott, also known as Nadia Habib, pleaded guilty to a single count of handling stolen goods.

The 33-year-old, who gave her address as the same as Hicks, is said to have had the stolen jewellery and electrical goods between April 19 and April 28.

Judge Tim Mousley QC adjourned the case to Friday March 2 so presentence reports can be prepared on the pair.

He told Hicks that it would only go to the length of sentence he received and remanded him in custody until then. Knott was released on bail.