A MAN accused of breaking into a neighbour’s home in search of booze will face a crown court judge next month.

William Gifford, 36, of no fixed address, is said to have burgled a house in Upper Minety, where his parents live, on September 19 this year, taking bottles of alcohol worth an estimated £40.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning, Gifford did not enter pleas to a single charge of burglary.

As he is a so-called third-strike burglar, with three convictions for breaking-and-entering on his record, the case must automatically be sent to the crown court.

By law, third-strike burglars are subject to a minimum sentence of three years unless it would be unjust.

District Judge Joanna Dickens remanded the defendant in custody until his trial preparation hearing at the crown court on October 23.

Ben Worthington represented the Crown Prosecution Service at the short hearing.

Gifford was represented by solicitor Mark Glendenning.