A burglar was caught red-handed after police found him armed with a map to the stores he had targeted.

The map, discovered on thief Andrew Gregory, showed the location of the premises in Cleckheaton and how long it would take to walk there.

He now faces sentencing at crown court after Kirklees magistrates heard that he had previously been jailed for a string of burglaries.

The 34-year-old pleaded guilty to four break-ins at the business complex in Cartwright Street.

This includes a children’s play gym, an adult gym and a Baby Ballet shop.

In the early hours of Wednesday (December 10) Gregory gained entry to the units by removing some roof titles.

Andy Wills, prosecuting, said: “The premises was ransacked and there was a considerable amount of damage caused. Damage was caused to the internal doors, locked cupboards were forced and the alarm box and air conditioning units were smashed off the wall.”

The court heard that one of the key holders attended and called police.

Mr Wills said: “Police dogs were dispatched, they picked up a scent and the defendant was detained.

“He (had gone) to ground in a wooded area while police looked for him.

“Items including clothing were seized from him and an I Love Baby Ballet carrier bag with money inside.

“A map was seized from the defendant which showed the location and how long it would take to get there on foot.”

Police also recovered footwear marks from the scene matching Gregory’s.

Magistrates heard that he had 77 offences on record.

These included several burglaries for which he had received two year terms of imprisonment.

Magistrates committed him to Leeds Crown Court for sentence on January 8.

No application was made for his bail.