A BURGLAR who stole more than £20,000 of personal belongings has been jailed for four-and-a-half years despite a glowing character reference from his pastor.

David Quinn, 46, of Chestnut Road, Vange, raided 15 homes in Basildon and Pitsea in the run-up to Christmas last year.

Quinn smashed his way into the homes during the day and took a Rolex watch, electrical items, jewellery, credit cards and other personal items worth £20,958.

The court heard how since being released from prison in 2007 for previous burglaries he had joined the Church at Swan Mead, in Church Road, Basildon, and done various jobs including painting and decorating.

Pastor Mark Barford was in court for the sentencing and said he had wanted to make Quinn his church caretaker.

He said: “David has been a born-again Christian for about five years. The last time he came out of prison he went to a Christian rehabilitation camp and then joined us.

“He is a really skilled landscaper and tradesman, and he volunteered to use his skills at the church.

“We cannot ignore the fact he has committed some despicable crimes and he needs to serve his sentence.”

Quinn had been a heroin and crack cocaine user for 20 years, but since he stopped using drugs five years ago he had started to gamble.

The court heard how Quinn was trying to sell the items he stole to pay his rent because he had gambled his benefit money away.

Mr Barford added: “The troubles hit when he started getting paid the housing benefit into his own bank account, and he started to gamble it away.

“But we will be there for David when he comes out and I am already booked to go and see him at Chelmsford Prison.”

The court heard how Quinn’s Nike trainer prints were found at some of the homes and his blood was also found at another, and many of the items he stole were found at his one-bedroom flat.

Judge Jonathan Black said: “You ruined these families’ Christmases and I have to reflect that in your sentence.

“You have one of the worst records for burglary and other crimes I have ever come across. You have been repeatedly imprisoned and it seems you will always resort to this when you need money.”

Prosecuting Nneka Akudolu read out a list of Quinn’s previous offences including burglaries, driving offences and possession of Class A and B drugs.

Quinn, who pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing, was expected to serve half of his sentence in prison and the other half while out on licence.