A self-confessed cocaine addict was remanded into custody after he admitted trespassing, going equipped for burglary and causing wilful damage when he appeared in Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Charles Ebbin, 56, of Friswells Lane, Pembroke, was apprehended by Police after he trespassed at JSM Collections on Church Street and stole a Keurig coffee maker in the early hours of Saturday morning.

He pleaded guilty to wilfully damaging two glass doors and a glass reception window, as well as going equipped for burglary with two hammers and a pair of construction gloves.

Prosecutor Susan Mulligan told the court that, at about 2.20am, a member of the public alerted police officers on mobile patrol to a break-in at the premises.

Police officers entered the building and, when they realised that the suspect was still on the premises, they pursued and arrested Ebbin on suspicion of breaking and entering.

Ms Mulligan added that he was taken to Hamilton Police Station, where he told officers that his intention was to steal money for his cocaine habit.

In court today, Ebbin said: “I think that it’s quite disgusting of me, as I am in a programme. I’m very sorry this occurred.”

Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo, before adjourning sentencing to March 23, remanded Ebbin and ordered a social inquiry report and drug assessment.

He also ordered Ebbin, who has several previous convictions for similar offences, to observe Drug Treatment Court in the interim.