A MAN who admitted fencing a lawnmower and tribal masks stolen from a disused Wiltshire pub has been warned he could face jail.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court yesterday, Tobi Kent, 31, of Forest Road, Melksham, pleaded guilty to handling of a haul goods stolen from the Rusty Stag, Broughton Gifford, in January 2018. They included a red lawnmower and tribal mask.

Following a suggestion from Judge Peter Crabtree that his client was seen with the lawnmower “literally hours after the burglary”, Kent’s counsel said “someone was seen” but stressed the Melksham man had not been charged with burglary. The goods were identified at Kent’s home four days after the theft.

Co-defendant Rhea Escott, 35, of Woodpecker Close, Broughton Gifford, admitted concealing and converting criminal property.

Both were bailed for a sentencing hearing on October 9. Judge Crabtree ordered pre-sentence reports to be compiled by the probation service and warned Kent his would be an all-options report – with custody among the sentences to be considered.