A MAN with no criminal record went on a “silly” spree trying to take vehicles, a court was told.

Steven Mark Linn, 21, admitted one charge of attempted robbery and three of attempted theft, all relating to different vehicles.

The robbery attempt was a bid to take a set of keys to a Ford Transit van from the owner.

In a hearing on Monday (January 5), Durham Crown Court heard all four offences took place on November 6 last year.

Requesting preparation of a report on Linn by the Probation Service, prior to sentence, Jane Waugh, in mitigation, told the court: “He has no previous convictions.

“He was picked out on an identity parade. It was very unsophisticated and very silly.”

Judge Robert Adams said: “It may have been very silly, but, nevertheless, it was very serious.”

He agreed to adjourn the case to allow the pre-sentence report to be drawn up and told Linn: “In adjourning for the report, I can make no promises.

“All sentencing options remain open to the court.”

He bailed Linn, of Dene Terrace, Shotton Colliery, County Durham, to return for sentence on January 26.