A MAN accused of attempted burglary will stand trial just two days before Christmas.

Marcus Pocock is accused of using a hammer to try and smash the glass window of H J Johnson, a Devizes jewellery store.

It is said he had earlier cased the joint with a pal, before returning to the shop later on the evening of December 1.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court yesterday afternoon, the 44-year-old, of Long Street, Devizes, denied attempted burglary.

However, he pleaded guilty to a charge of being in possession of amphetamine on December 1 last year and stealing four cans of lager and a can of energy drink, together worth £15.55, from Devizes Sainsbury’s on March 11.

The case was adjourned for trial on the afternoon of Monday, December 23, at Swindon Magistrates’ Court. Pocock was bailed, with a requirement to report to the police station and live at his Long Street flat.