A SERIAL offender has admitted breaking in to a home and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage when ripping out copper piping.

Graham Sypliwtchak, of Alltywerin in Pontardawe, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with burglary and criminal damage.

Sypliwtchak was alleged to have entered a home on King Street in Neath between September 2 and 4 as a trespasser and stole copper piping.

He was also accused of ripping out the piping from the property, causing damage estimated at £40,000.

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The defendant pleaded guilty to both offences.

Prosecutor Regan Walters told the court that 50-year-old Sypliwtchak had 62 previous convictions for 208 offences.

“It’s an extensive record,” Judge Catherine Richards said.

Judge Richards remanded Sypliwtchak back in to custody and adjourned his sentencing until Friday, October 11.