A man netted stolen goods totalling almost $24,000 during a burglary spree.

Tracy Mallory, 20, admitted to three break-ins and attempting a third one during a voluntary confession to the Police.

The defendant, who is homeless, pleaded guilty in Magistrates' Court, asking Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo to spare him jail so he can turn his life around.

According to Crown counsel Robert Welling, Mallory ransacked a home in Cloverdale Road, Devonshire, on August 8. Over the following weeks he went on to raid houses in Kilderry Close, Smith's, and Collectors Hill, Smith's. Among the items taken were jewellery, electronic goods, underwear and cash.

Mr. Welling told the court that the offences were aggravated by the fact that items of high monetary and sentimental value were taken.

"The rooms were ransacked and a young girl's piggy bank was smashed against the wall causing a dent to the wall and the money taken," he explained.

On September 11, Mallory was spotted attempting to break into a house on Cloverdale Close, Devonshire, but made off after being spotted by a member of the public. According to Mr. Welling, he told Police about the burglaries on September 13 while in custody for an unrelated matter. Mallory, who has recently returned from 14 years in the US, has no previous convictions. He told the Magistrate: "They would have never caught me. I turned myself in."

He explained that he had been kicked out by people he was living with, leaving him with nowhere to stay, and he signed up for the Regiment while at the Police station.

"I was trying to better myself. I'm sorry for what I did," he told Mr. Tokunbo, adding: "I think I should just be released and get a job and pay them back."

The Magistrate remanded him into custody so reports can be prepared, and will sentence him on October 30.