Newcastle upon Tyne's Declan Donnelly almost had his £70,000 Range Rover stolen as part of an elaborate luxury car heist.
30-year-old Oliver Hart, admitted to conspiracy to steal a selection of valuable vehicles between the months of January and July last year while appearing at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court today (September 23).
The would-be crook also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle in connection with 11 electric bikes from Velospeed in Thatcham, Berkshire, between June 14 and June 17, 2021.
Read more: Declan Donnelly welcomes newborn son hailed as 'ray of light' following brother's death
The Mirror reports that Hart appeared at the south-west London court's dock accompanied by a number of other co-defendants - speaking only to enter his name and guilty pleas. He is one of a number of defendants who have pleaded guilty to the charges, in relation to the alleged car-theft operation.
Other defendants, including Ryan Crafts, 29, from Wokingham, Berkshire, and Charlie Kavanagh, 27, from Ashford, Surrey, have pleaded not guilty. Judge Anne Brown listed their trial date for September 4 2023.
Those who have pleaded guilty, including Hart, are expected to be sentenced after the trial has concluded, the court heard.
Police were called to Mr Donnelly's west London home in the early hours of April 6 2021. The presenter, his wife and their three-year-old daughter were reportedly asleep at the time, luckily for the family no vehicles were taken.
Read next:
- 'A true inspiration' - Tributes paid to Dec's brother Father Dermott Donnelly after death aged 55
- Sadness as Dec's brother Father Dermott Donnelly dies aged 55 following serious illness
-
Prayers for Dec's brother Father Dermott Donnelly who is 'seriously ill in hospital'
-
Dec pays tribute to his 'darling brother' Father Dermott Donnelly who has died aged 55
- Popular Newcastle bar and restaurant Horticulture announces name of new sister venue following council approval
