A 27-year-old man has admitted stealing a car, drink-driving and a string of thefts from vehicles.

James Tarron Keggin pleaded guilty to nine offences all committed during a spree on October 22.

The case was adjourned until December 9 to allow time for a probation report before sentencing.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that Keggin, who lives at Woodbourne Road in Douglas, took a Mercedes GLE, which had been left unlocked, from Shore Road in Gansey.

He drove it a short distance but was then found to be over the drink-drive limit and arrested.

On the same evening Keggin was said to have stolen items from various cars in the same area.

He took sunglasses from a Volkswagen Transporter, football boots and a driving licence from a Mini Countryman, and £100, a Gucci wallet and a Covid vaccination card from a Hyundai Veloster.

He also stole a set of keys from the Mercedes GLE.

In court, Keggin pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without consent, drink-driving, having no insurance, having no driving licence, and five counts of theft.

Prosecutor Mr Swain submitted that, as the values of the stolen items were not particularly high, the case was suitable to remain in summary court.

Defence advocate Kate Alexander agreed that the case should remain in the lower court and asked for a probation report to be prepared before sentencing.

Magistrates accepted summary court jurisdiction and ordered that the report consider all sentencing options, including custody. Keggin is remanded in custody.