Teenager admits 959 offences

A MAN believed to be Britain's most prolific criminal admitted nearly 1,000 offences of burglary, mugging, and car break-ins when he appeared at the Old Bailey yesterday.

Duane Daniels, 19, escaped with property and cash worth thousands of pounds after 600 burglaries, 130 muggings and 220 car break-ins.

At least 400 of those were committed over four months while he was on the run from a young offender's institution in Portland, Dorset.

A court official said: 'It is the largest series of crimes ever heard in one case at the Old Bailey.'

Daniels, of Brixton High Street, Brixton, asked for 950 offences be taken into consideration after pleading guilty to a further nine serious offences. The case was adjourned until 23 December for sentencing.

Niell Stewart, for the prosecution, said he carried out the crimes to feed his crack- cocaine habit.

The court was told he targeted residential homes and offices as easy pickings for cash but buildings he burgled included Greenwich Magistrates' Court and a north London juvenile court. He also took part in hundreds of street muggings with a gang.