A PAIR of burglars have been jailed after knocking a man out and stealing jewellery and mobile phones.

Gemma Hawkins, 35, and Dwayne Houssein, 37, have been jailed for a collective seven years after the burglary in Grays last year.

The pair stood trial at Basildon Crown Court after both denying burglary, but were convicted on May 23.

Gemma Hawkins had gone to a man’s home in Chadwell Road, Grays, on April 16 last year.

After about an hour, the 39-year-old victim became concerned because Hawkins was constantly on her mobile phone or excusing herself to visit the bathroom.

Fearing she had stolen something from the house, he challenged her as she tried to leave the address.

A struggle ensued, during which he was hit on the head from behind.

He was knocked unconscious for a short time, and when he woke up he saw Hawkins and two men – one of them later identified as Dwayne Houssein – going into his house.

Houssein threatened the victim and Hawkins ripped a gold chain from around his neck. They also took three mobile phones, before leaving with the third suspect, who remains unidentified.

Following an investigation, Hawkins was arrested in July and Houssein was arrested in November.

Hawkins, of Otterden Street in Sydenham, south east London, was jailed for three years and Houssein, of no fixed address, was jailed for four years. They were also made subject of a restraining order.

Investigating officer PC Beth Finch, of Grays CID, said: “After a long trial, I am pleased these two burglars are now serving custodial sentences for their crimes and that justice has been done for the victim.”