A 23-year-old Douglas man has been convicted of stealing items from unlocked cars.

Daniel Towler, of Cronkbourne Village, admitted three counts of theft and one of threatening behaviour and will be sentenced on August 28 after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told a court this week how, on July 6 at 12.55am, a witness reported seeing a man trying to enter vehicles at Willaston Crescent in Douglas.

Police went to the area and saw Towler. He was said to have been unsteady on his feet and smelling of alcohol.

Investigations found that he had entered three vehicles which were left unlocked and taken seven ’Now That’s What I Call Music’ CDs from one, children’s goalkeeper gloves and £3 cash from another, and a USB phone charger and AUX cable from a third.

In a police interview Towler gave ’no comment’ responses to all questions but when charged said: ’I’m sorry, I will replace everything.’

He was released pending proceedings but the following evening, at 1.10am, police were called to Derby Square after similar reports of a man using a torch to look into vehicles.

Police again found Towler and he was detained for a search.

However, he became loud and aggressive and was swearing at police.

He was told to calm down but continued swearing saying: ’This is a joke. Get off me.’

No vehicles were damaged or broken into.

Defence advocate Paul Glover said: ’Mr Towler has most certainly learned his lesson. Drink has been a massive influence in both instances.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered that the probation report should consider all options, including custody.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500.