A BURGLAR has been locked up after trespassing in a home in an ‘attempted puppy theft’.

Alan Hubbersty will spend Christmas behind bars for the incident, which took place around the corner from his own home.

The 46-year-old appeared before Chester Crown Court on Monday, December 5, to stand trial over a charge of dwelling burglary.

However he changed his plea to guilty on the day, and the case proceeded to sentence.

Oliver King, prosecuting, told the court how the offence occurred on June 17 this year in Latchford.

Hubbersty, as a trespasser, entered a dwelling on Ashfield Gardens with intent to steal therein.

At around 8.40pm, police were called to reports of a burglary at an address on the street.

The victim reported that they had witnessed Alan Hubbersty climbing into a room of a property on Ashfield Gardens.

It is believed he was attempting to steal a puppy as he was in possession of a ‘pet bag’.

Hubbersty was known to the victims and was seen to run off with two men.

Shortly after, the defendant was arrested and subsequently charged with burglary.

Hubbersty, of Charlton Street in Latchford, was sentenced by recorder Alexandra Simmonds to 45 months in prison.