A 54-YEAR-OLD Stourbridge burglar is to come face to face with one of his victims after he admitted two raids in a village near Worcester.

Steve Chaplin, of Enville Street, pleaded guilty to burglary at Cudleigh Court Cottage, Spetchley, on September 16 last year.

He stole £15 in cash, a laptop, camera and rucksack.

He also pleaded guilty to an attempted burglary at Hunter's Moon, Spetchley, on the same date and he was remanded in custody after a further offence in Warwickshire on December 11.

Richard Hull, defending, said Chaplin, who faces a mandatory jail term for a third offence of burglary, had indicated a willingness to take part in the Restorative Justice Project being piloted at Worcester Crown Court.

One of his victims had also said they were willing to come face to face with him under the scheme and the case was adjourned for six weeks for the meeting to take place and a report prepared.

Judge Michael Cullum told Chaplin there was a potential benefit to society in him understanding the effect of offending on his victims.

He is due to return to court for sentencing on February 27.

Worcester is one of ten crown courts in the country taking part in the Restorative Justice Pathfinder Scheme and was the first to implement it following a launch last autumn.

A pilot project is being run in these courts over 12 months and will then be assessed with a view to expanding it.

The aim is to cut the rate of reoffending.

Offenders who are considered suitable and have pleaded guilty to a crime are asked if they want to meet the victim and see the impact it has had on them.

It is voluntary and the victim also has to agree to take part in a meeting which could take place in a prison environment.