An Isle of Wight burglar “cannot explain” why he walked into a stranger's house and stole items while understood to be under the influence of “something,” a court has heard.

Scott Adams, of Gunville Road in Newport, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 15, and pleaded guilty to burglary and theft.

Hampshire and IW Constabulary were alerted by the owner of a house on Gunville West on March 20, near Adams' home, said prosecutor Liz Miller. 

Ms Miller said the owner informed officers that an unknown man wearing a red jacket was standing in their kitchen.

The court heard that the homeowner, who was inside the house at the time, confronted the 47-year-old after he brazenly walked in through the front door.

Ms Miller told magistrates that Adams became aggressive, so the owner ran and hid in the bathroom. 

Adams left the property and was found by police in a nearby garden in possession of keys, sunglasses and a case that he had stolen from the house, said Ms Miller.

The court heard that Adams was believed to be “under the influence of something” at the time. 

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client “cannot explain” what he did and has since sought help from mental health and substance support services. 

Magistrates declined jurisdiction but ordered a pre-sentence report before sending the case to the IW Crown Court.

Adams will appear before a judge on January 10, 2025, for sentencing.