BURGLAR John Delaney was beaten with a mop by an elderly woman who found him raiding her Cotswold home - and then was chased and caught by her gardener.

At Gloucester Crown Court today, 36-year-old plasterer Delaney, a father-of-two who lives in Cirencester Road, Charlton Kings, was remanded in custody to await sentencing on October 14, after he admitted burglary.

Delaney was one of two men who broke into the home of a woman in her eighties in Long Newnton, near Tetbury, on March 27 and stole antiques worth about £15,000.

She caught them in the act and hit Delaney with her mop until it broke.

Both men fled but the gardener gave chase and caught Delaney - although the other man got away.

Delaney had pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing and was due to stand trial, but admitted the offence at the last minute.

He stole valuables including a clock, two silver candlesticks, a Chinese bowl, grape scissors and two gold rings.

Joe Maloney, defending, asked for Delaney to be granted bail pending sentence so that he could put his business and family affairs in order.

He pointed out that Delaney has two children aged four and 10.

But Judge Euan Ambrose refused bail.

He said Delaney had already time to make any arrangements he wanted and in view of his bad criminal record - 90 previous offences including at least five for burglary - there was a fear he would commit further crimes or breach bail.