A MAN has admitted twice breaking into a Southend mosque and assaulting police officers.

Carl Weighman, 32, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to trespassing into the mosque, and five other charges.

He appeared via video link at Basildon Crown Court yesterday.

Weighman, who has been in custody since his arrest in March, admitting trespassing with intent to steal from the Esses Jamme Masjid mosque, in Chelmsford Avenue, on January 30, and again on February 13.

Recorder Mark Lowe, QC, adjourned sentencing until further reports and assessments are carried out into his suitability for a drug rehabilitation programme.

Representing Weighman in court, Jim Harrison said: “He has expressed an interest in being considered on this project.

“He expressed that he would approach it with an open mind and dedication that perhaps has not been present in the past.”

During the hearing Weighman admitted stealing £503 from a woman from whom took a handbag at Southend Library on December 6, 2014.

He also admitted stealing three bike locks worth £64 from John Parker Motorcycles in North Avenue, Southend, on January 28 at 11.10am.

He denied assaulting trainee Det Con Andrew Copley in Southend on February 28, but admitted assaulting PCs Nicholas Bunton, Daniel Madison and Steven Wells on the same day.

In February, the Echo published pictures and information about Weighman in an attempt to help police to find and arrest him him.

The prolific burglar has more than 20 convictions and was most recently jailed in 2013 for stealing a car from St Margaret’s Church, in Lime Avenue, Leigh, and a 42in flatscreen TV from St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Mount Avenue, Westcliff.

On the two occasions he burgled the mosque, Weighman was confronted and fled. He was finally arrested on Friday, February 27.

He is due to be sentenced later this month.