A burglar has been jailed for two years and five months following a break-in in Halstead.

A burglar has been jailed for two years and five months following a break-in in Halstead and admitting to 28 other offences.

James Zammutt-Cook, 26, of no fixed abode was arrested following a burglary at an address in Broad Road, Wickham St Paul on September 27, 2017.

The victim had been awoken by the sound of someone in his home and when he got up was confronted by a man who then made off.

The victim was later contacted by someone working at a betting shop on Halstead High Street who had found his ID cards in one of their bins.

We were called and Zammutt identified as a suspect. Following a cross border investigation incorporating Norfolk and Suffolk Police he was arrested in Halstead on Saturday, October 28 and later charged with 3 counts of Burglary.

Appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on December 8, 2017, pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and was given two years and five months for each count, all to run concurrently.

The court took into consideration a further 28 offences that Zammutt was interviewed for and made admissions to.

T/Detective Sergeant Jamie Stirland, from Braintree CID, said: “James Zammutt-Cook was a prolific offender, driven by the need to fund a drug habit, for his own benefit and that of his victims I’m glad he is now behind bars.

“Burglary is an incredibly invasive crime and can often leave victims feeling unsafe in their own home.

“It is something we treat very seriously and I’m pleased we’ve been able to get justice for a number of victims.”