A BURGLAR targeted Hereford’s Butter Market where his ex-girlfriend worked, a court heard.

Christopher O'Neil stole cash, drinks, cigarettes, scales and teddy bear from market stalls.

He claimed he fell asleep in the premises before it was locked up for the night and had to escape through an attic.

But prosecutor Rhona Campbell said his explanation was not accepted because graffiti directed at his former girlfriend was found.

O’Neil, aged 24, of Kingsway, College Estate, Hereford, admitted February’s break-in. He also admitted burglary of a clothing shop a month earlier when he stole a jacket and two pairs of jeans.

He was granted bail at Worcester Crown Court for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.