Former mayor admits stealing women's underwear

A former mayor today admitted breaking into women's homes and stealing their underwear.

Ian Stafford, 59, resigned as Mayor of Preesall in Lancashire when he was arrested in connection with the missing garments.

He today appeared at Preston Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary.

Walking with a cane, Stafford admitted breaking into the buildings in Poulton-le-Fylde and Stalmine, Lancashire, between January 1 and 26 June last year.

Female residents called in police after their underwear kept disappearing and one victim even installed a hidden camera in her bedroom.

Today the case was adjourned for pre-sentencing reports until February 5 when Stafford, of Sandycroft Place, Preesall, will reappear at the court.

His barrister Richard Haworth said he had no previous convictions.

Judge Philip Sycamore gave the part-time handyman and gardener bail but told him not to "draw any conclusions" from that about his sentence.

"All sentencing options are open," he said.