SENTENCE was delayed on a man charged with burglary because he was being treated in hospital.
Rochdale magistrates were told Craig Hamer-Pieper, aged 30, of Holland Street, Astley Bridge, had denied breaking into Rochdale Hospice Appeal Shop and stealing jewellery and cash worth £150.
He changed his plea after DNA evidence was submitted.
Pieper said he because of his condition at that time in 1997 he could recollect nothing, but accepted as a result of blood tests he was the man at the scene.
He had failed to answer bail during the intervening time because of address changes.
The case had been adjourned for reports, but magistrates were informed that Pieper had been in intensive care as a result of a brain injury.
There had been fears about his mental health and he had since been transferred to a psychiatric ward.
The case was further adjourned until October 4.
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