A burglar caught fleeing with pink panties and a silver bra hidden down his trousers told police he intended to wear them.

Paul Whatman, 20, was heard prowling around by homeowners in Coldean, Brighton.

They called the police and when officers stopped and searched him they found the panties, bra and three tops hidden in his clothes.

Whatman said he intended to wear the stolen garments.

Whatman, of Park Close, Coldean, admitted burglary when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Jonathan Wintle, prosecuting, said Whatman, who had no previous convictions, was known to the family.

The court heard the stolen clothes belonged to the homeowner's son's girlfriend, who sometimes stayed at the house.

When interviewed by police, Whatman said he had gone to visit the owner's son and found the front door unlocked.

Mr Wintle said: "He said he would probably have worn the clothes at a later date."

Mark Rogers, defending, said: "He was drunk and he really cannot explain his actions."

Magistrates sent him to Lewes Crown Court for sentence at a date to be set. He was bailed.