Two burglars who went on a crime spree across Suffolk and north Essex after previous convictions for similar offences have been jailed again.

East Anglian Daily Times: Daniel Pugh, who was jailed for four yearsDaniel Pugh, who was jailed for four years

Paul Stevenson, of Fletcher Road, Ipswich, and Daniel Pugh, of Spring Road, Ipswich, were imprisoned for 52 months and four years respectively. Each had admitted around 50 offences.

At their sentencing Ipswich Crown Court heard Pugh, 22, had tried to go straight after being released from prison, but fell back into crime after taking out a pay-day loan.

In December 2009, Stevenson and Pugh were jailed after they and five other members of the self-styled ‘Nacton Sickheads’ admitted a total of 170 offences between them.

After their release on licence in 2011 the pair committed dozens of burglaries, attempted burglaries and thefts.

The court heard Stevenson, 27, had admitted to three burglaries, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, attempted burglary, another burglary, using a motor vehicle without insurance, driving while disqualified and handling stolen goods. He also asked for 44 offences to be taken into consideration (TIC).

Pugh had also pleaded guilty to three burglaries, attempted burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, and another burglary. In addition he admitted 46 TICs. All the offences were committed between November 29, 2011, and July 4 this year.

Prosecutor Robert Sadd said the burglaries the pair had pleaded guilty to had occurred at homes in Horsley Cross, Essex, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, Nettlestead, near Claydon, Withermarsh Green, near Stoke-by-Nayland, and Little Bentley, Essex.

The court heard among the items stolen was jewellery, some of which was of great sentimental value. The value of the goods taken by Stevenson during all the offences, including the TICs, came to £44,500. Pugh’s offences totalled nearly £43,000.

Stevenson was also seen driving dangerously at speeds up to 100mph on the A14. Police had seen him in Grange Road, Felixstowe before he drove off at speed. The vehicle was eventually found at a house near the Suffolk Showground.

Steven Dyble, representing both men, said Pugh tried to go straight after his release, working as a £500-a-week labourer at Felixstowe docks.

However, he was made redundant and unable to pay the rent on his home so turned to money-lender Wonga, borrowing a comparatively small sum. Mr Dyble said: “If it’s not paid back tomorrow, very quickly the debt snowballs out of control.” He told the court that is what happened to Pugh, who resorted to dishonesty to pay his rent and get an income.

Mr Dyble said Stevenson had been unable to find work when he came out of prison and through a lack of money had returned to crime.

Stevenson was also disqualified from driving for three years.