A man has pleaded guilty to stealing from three Ipswich stores but has denied robbery.

On Wednesday, Mark Ely appeared remotely before Ipswich Crown Court to answer charges of robbery, attempted robbery, theft, criminal damage and possession of cannabis.

The 55-year-old pleaded not guilty to robbing the Dunelm Store in Bury Road on November 19 last year, but admitted to theft. Ely is said to have stolen items with a total value of £261.25.

Ely, of Milton Street, Ipswich, also denied attempting to rob the Premier Store in Reynolds Road on December 21. However, he again pleaded guilty to theft.

It is alleged that on the day in question, Ely entered the shop at around 6am, filled his pockets with items and damaged the shop door before fleeing the scene.

Ely pleaded guilty to theft from a OneStop, also in Reynolds Road, which was committed on the same day. He stole a bottle of alcohol.

Ely also pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, namely the Premier Store door, and possession of cannabis.

His trial is expected to commence after May 28.