A burglar who used a Sharpie to scrawl a vile word on the wall of one of the houses he raided has admitted his latest break-in.

George Mullard was spared jail two years ago despite admitting 10 burglaries, including a raid on his own grandmother’s home.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court on Friday via prison video link, the 23-year-old, of Stockwood Road, Chippenham, pleaded guilty to breaking into a home in Avonmead, Haydon Wick, on September 13.

He also admitted breaching his 22 month suspended sentence. The court heard he had done just 75 out of 240 hours of community service and eight out of 25 rehabilitation activity requirements.

Defence barrister Chris Smyth told Judge Jason Taylor QC the hearing had previously been adjourned for CCTV evidence of the Swindon burglary to be served by the Crown.

But Mullard admitted the offence without even watching the video. “Having had a conference with him today, despite the absence of the CCTV it is his wish to be arraigned and enter a plea of guilty,” Mr Smyth said.

Judge Taylor adjourned sentence to July 7.

In 2018 career thief Mullard went on a spree in Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon’s Old Town, stealing jewellery with a priceless sentimental value. That September he broke into a house on Saffron Close, Royal Wootton Bassett, and stole a £900 gold sovereign ring and a £500 Gucci watch. He used a Sharpie pen to scrawl an offensive word across the living room wall.

Days earlier he broke into his grandmother’s home on Bassett High Street. That raid came two months after he burgled her next door neighbour, stealing £4,000 diamond earrings, a silver chain and a £369 Apple watch.

After those thefts he pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary and asked for four other break-ins and an attempted burglary to be taken into consideration. It was said he was a cocaine and ketamine addict.

Judge Robert Pawson deferred his sentence after hearing his aunt had paid £15,000 to put her nephew through rehab. And when he was back before the court in March he was rewarded for his progress with a 22-month jail term suspended for two years with 25 rehabilitation days and 200 hours of unpaid work.

The probation service hauled him back in front of the judge in July last year, telling the court Mullard had done just 20 hours of community service, three rehabilitation days and missed four appointments. He said he had been struggling with his mental health. Another 40 hours were added by the court.