Shifnal accused, 19, admits string of theft bids
A teenager has admitted a string of attempted thefts and burglaries at a county business park during a three-day "spree".
John Luke Smethurst, 19, admitted nine offences, which all took place at Halesfield in Telford between September 27 and 30 last year.
He admitted four attempted thefts from vehicles, two attempted burglaries from units and one from a portacabin, and two burglaries from units in which Smethurst stole several keys.
Smethurst, of Haughton Road, Shifnal, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday where he entered his pleas.
Mr Andrew Baker, prosecuting, said: "He pleads guilty on the basis that he acted first as a lookout and pressure had been put upon him including beating by others.
"He has a history of similar matters including one in March with an offence very similar and within this three-day spree here. In that occasion he was ordered to undertake a community order."
The case was adjourned until September 26 for sentencing so that reports could be prepared.
