A BURGLAR who targeted six elderly and disabled victims during a four-week crime spree- including a 95-year-old woman- has been spared jail.

David Scott, of Link Road, Canvey, admitted burgling the properties on Canvey between June 8 and July 4 last year.

The 33-year-old struck at homes in Holly Walk, Central Avenue, Fourth Walk, St Johns Crescent and Beverley Avenue, stealing from residents aged 74, 79, 80, 85 and 95, as well as a disabled man.

Basildon Crown Court heard that in most cases entry was gained after Scott broke into external key safes used by the victims’ carers.

Among the items stolen were cash, iPads, reading glasses, bank cards, handbags and even disabled parking badges.

Irreplaceable photographs on cameras and stored in wallets were also taken, causing added distress to victims.

The court heard Scott has 31 convictions for 48 offences, including three non-dwelling burglaries in January 2015.

Chris Whitcombe, mitigating, said the former builder had a £500-a-day drug habit sparked by a childhood trauma but he has been clean since being remanded in custody since July.

He said: “There is a proper determination on his part to rid himself of drugs forever.”

Judge Ian Graham told Scott the seriousness of the offences put them into the highest category.

He said: “What makes your position particularly serious is there were six burglaries not just one.

“It seems you have targeted people who were vulnerable or were in ill health.”

However, the judge added: “Your offending rises out of a serious addiction to drugs. That may stem back to extreme trauma that you suffered when you were very young.”

Scott was handed a two year community order. He must complete a six month drug treatment programme, a 60 day rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work.

Another man, Carl Wood, 27, of Second Avenue, Canvey, admitted handling stolen goods in relation to the bank cards earlier this month and was jailed for three months.