A BURGLAR who fell back into criminality after six years out of trouble has been thrown behind bars after breaking into a house to steal watches and money.

Jermaine Howard, 38, broke into the Basildon home on December 23 last year, stealing nine watches and 3,000 Indian rupees, which is almost £30.

The homeowners came back at 11.30pm and found the back door of the property smashed.

Basildon Crown Court heard a messy search had been carried out in the main bedroom.

The complainants had camera footage of the burglary as they had been victims twice recently in separate incidents unrelated to Howard.

Footage showed an individual that matched the appearance of Howard in the property and a cigarette butt was found with DNA tests matching Howard as well.

Howard was interviewed by police on January 22 and denied knowledge or involvement of the offence through a prepared statement.

He changed his plea to guilty at Basildon Crown Court on February 20 and appeared in the same court for sentencing on Friday.

Harry MacDonald, prosecuting, said: “The complainant begins by setting out the circumstances of her family and in particular how upset they are in relation to suffering other burglaries that have made them feel unsafe.

“The victim talks of constantly checking their camera feed whenever they are outside the house and taking extra security measures.

“She has also described her and her family not feeling safe at home and wanting to move out of the area.”

Two of the watches stolen were valued at £500 and £120, with the value of the other watches not known but believed to be at least £1,000 in total.

Nicola Thompson, mitigating, said: “Mr Howard’s letter sets out his deep regret that he has fallen back into trouble after some years.

“The gym where he works as a personal trainer is at pains to make your honour aware that he has been a positive influence for local youth in the community.”

Ms Thompson said when Howard returned to Essex he was acquainted with a former associate, a decision which he “very much regrets” now, leading to this offence.

Following credit for his plea, Judge Samantha Cohen sentenced Howard to two years and five months in prison.