A BURGLAR who stole a charity box from a hospital's cancer ward during a string of callous raids faces a prison sentence.

Darren Jones, who lives in Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court last week to admit five counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary.

The court heard he carried out a number of repeated break-ins at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. On July 23 he broke into the endocrine department and stole cash from charity tins, the coffee machine and some drawers. On September 28 he returned, taking cash from the orthopaedic department's coffee machine. He then burgled the oncology department of a radio, a charity box and cash on October 4.

Jones, 34, also carried out two raids at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Albert Road, Bournemouth.

One was committed on November 1, while the second was carried out sometime between November 5 and 8. On both occasions, he stole cash.

The court heard that Jones also attempted to steal from the Kings Park Community Hospital in Gloucester Road on June 30.

Jones was remanded into custody ahead of the sentencing hearing, which is due to take place at Bournemouth Crown Court inn December. Magistrates made the decision to keep him in prison before the sentence because of his "appalling record".

William James, of Bath Road, Bournemouth, was charged with a single count of burglary.

Prosecutors allege James, who is also known as Eli John James, broke into the Sacred Heart and stole cash on November 6.

The defendant has not yet entered a plea to the charge against him. He was remanded into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at the crown court on December 12.