Victim catches car thief in the act

A man was caught in the process of pushing a stolen car down a driveway and trying to start it, a court has been told.

Jacob Matthew Barnett went onto a property on Carlton Ave on July 7 and used a screwdriver to force a lock on the victim's car, the Whanganui District Court heard on Tuesday.

"Having gained access to the motor vehicle, the defendant pushed it down the driveway onto the road," police prosecutor Sergeant Stephen Butler said.

He tried to start the car but was disturbed by the victim, who had heard noises and came out to investigate.

Barnett ran away, but was found by police a short time later.

He left behind a bag in the car containing tools for the burglary.

He told police he tried to steal the car so he could get back to Levin.

Barnett pleaded guilty to burglary.

He will be sentenced on October 12.