A MAN who burgled a car dealership has admitted driving two vehicles away from the Poole site - but denies any involvement in taking a further six taken during the same evening.

James Royle, who is of no fixed abode, was charged following a break-in at the Westover Car Group's Peugeot dealership in Wallisdown Road. The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, September 29.

A number of car keys were stolen from inside a building and eight vehicles were driven off site. Damage was caused to a number of vehicles parked at the workshop, which services Westover's Renault, Fiat, Peugeot, Hyundai and Dacia showrooms.

Three of the stolen vehicles were abandoned outside the workshop and a further three were found nearby in the Alderney area. The final two vehicles were found off Norton Way in Poole.

A forensic examination of the scene revealed DNA that was found to be a match for Royle and his fingerprints were also discovered on a steering wheel cover located in one of the stolen vehicles.

Royle had been released from prison on licence in August 2017 after serving part of a 42-month sentence for burglary and a recall notice was issued on October 6 2017 after he breached the conditions of his licence.

He was arrested in the Manchester area on Saturday, April 14.

When interviewed, Royle admitted taking car keys from Westover and driving away with two vehicles. He said he'd had nothing to do with the other six cars.

The 24-year-old has now been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison after admitting one charge of non-dwelling burglary and two of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent at Poole Magistrates' Court.

Detective Constable Tom Alsford, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This break-in caused considerable inconvenience to the business Royle targeted and its customers and I am glad he has now been brought to justice for his offending.

“We are committed to helping businesses to protect themselves from burglars such as Royle."