Cat-flap burglar pleads guilty

Michael Paul West pleaded guilty at Christchurch District Court today to two cat-flap burglaries of Christchurch houses while the occupants slept inside. File photo / Hawke's Bay Today

A burglar broke into homes by reaching through the cat-flap and unlocking doors, a court was told today.

Michael Paul West, a wiry 35-year-old, pleaded guilty at Christchurch District Court today to two cat-flap burglaries of Christchurch houses while the occupants slept inside.

Judge Phillip Moran remanded him in custody until June 22 for a probation report and sentence.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Brendon Strieker said West broke into the first house in suburban Mairehau at 4.45am on May 14, taking a money box containing $150.

He then went to a house a few blocks away in Queenswood Gardens at 5am, but was disturbed when an occupant woke up.

West took a large amount of cash and business papers and fled but police stopped his car nearby and he then took off on foot with the stolen property.

When he was caught, he told the police: "I have been caught red-handed. All that's left is to go to court and plead guilty."

- NZPA