A ONE-MAN crime spree' was how Darren Swallow was described at Chippenham magistrates' court on Friday.

Swallow, 19, of Moorlands, Chippenham, who had no previous convictions until a few months ago, admitted breaking into his brother's house and stealing electrical goods worth £655 on April 7, driving off without paying for petrol on March 22 and carrying an offensive weapon, all while on bail for other offences.

Nicky Jennings, prosecuting, said: "Something happened in this man's life that has made him go on a one-man crime spree."

Swallow put £52.01 worth of petrol into a Citroen C3 at the Leigh Delamere petrol station on March 25, then went in to say he had no money and never returned.

When arrested, Swallow was carrying what looked to be a lighter, but was later found to be a flick-knife. He was remanded in custody to reappear on May 3.