A PRESTONPANS thief is facing a jail sentence after he admitted breaking into a pensioner’s home and stealing jewellery and electronic items.

David Ritchie, of Inchview North, entered the home of the 74-year-old woman in Lasswade and made off with the items on Hogmanay last year.

Ritchie also admitted further offences, including breaking into a home at Mayburn Avenue, Loanhead, and taking a set of car keys, then attempting to steal a vehicle parked outside the home.

He also stole a watch and a quantity of alcohol during the break-in on April 12.

The 46-year-old pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last Thursday.

A not guilty plea to attempting to force open a door with the intent to steal at an address in Loanhead on December 31 last year was accepted by the Crown.

Sheriff Alistair Noble granted Ritchie bail and deferred sentence on him to next month.