Take a look at some of the criminals that were put behind bars in Suffolk and north Essex courts in August.

A serial burglar who tied up two of his victims was jailed for 12 years.

Conor Ashton, 23, of Purcell Close in Colchester modelled himself on 1980s American serial killer Richard Ramirez and wore a balaclava, black gloves and used cable ties. Most of Ashton’s victims were not home but on the last two occasions he broke into the homes of two women while they were asleep. He was armed with a knife, and tied the women up with cables ties and demanded their bank cards.

East Anglian Daily Times: Conor Ashton, who has been jailed for 12 years Picture: ESSEX POLICEConor Ashton, who has been jailed for 12 years Picture: ESSEX POLICE (Image: Archant)

Two men who tried to smuggle four Afghani nationals into the UK were jailed for three years each.

Gheorghe Virlan, 23, and Darius Flavius Stanis, 24, both Romanian nationals of no fixed UK address, were caught hiding two adults, a 15-year-old and a two-year-old in a special constructed van. They were caught by border force at Harwich after arriving from Holland.

East Anglian Daily Times: Gheorghe Virlan and Darius Flavius Stanis Picture: COURTESY OF THE HOME OFFICEGheorghe Virlan and Darius Flavius Stanis Picture: COURTESY OF THE HOME OFFICE (Image: Archant)

Two blackmailers were jailed for a combined total of seven years after they threatened a teenager and his family over a £3,000 drug debt.

James Tibbenham, 29, of Pembroke Avenue, Woodbridge, and Edward Van Bishop, 27, of Little Horsey Park, Campsea Ashe, Wickham Market, made threatening phone calls, came to the victims house demanding money, and threatened the family with violence.

East Anglian Daily Times: James Tibbenham and Edward Van Bishop Picture: SUFFOLK CONSTABULARYJames Tibbenham and Edward Van Bishop Picture: SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY

A karaoke night thug was jailed for nine months after he skipped bail and assaulted people.

Joshua Sergeant, 23, of Bellfield Avenue in Brightlingsea assaulted a number of people, made threats, and damaged a car during a karaoke evening.

East Anglian Daily Times: Joshua Sergeant Picture: ESSEX POLICEJoshua Sergeant Picture: ESSEX POLICE (Image: Archant)

Three London drug dealers who ran a drug business from the home of a vulnerable Ipswich woman have been jailed for a total of more than 11 years.

Miles Barrett, 29, of no fixed address, Daniel Sang, 29, of Burtwell Lane in London, and Darrale Sang, 22, of Fir Tree Gardens, Croydon, were found with thousands of pounds worth of drugs including heroin and crack cocaine. Police found the three men at a vulnerable woman’s home in Ipswich selling drugs this practice was described as ‘cuckooing.’

East Anglian Daily Times: Miles Barrett and Daniel Sang Picture: SUFFOLK CONSTABULARYMiles Barrett and Daniel Sang Picture: SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY