Ex-mayor stole women's underwear in burglaries

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

He appeared yesterday 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.

Yesterday 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.