A man described as a "prolific and professional burglar" has been jailed after pleading guilty to four counts of burlgary - including one of a primary school.

Warren Gordon, 31, of Pantile Avenue, Southend, appeared at Basildon Crown Court today for sentencing.

The court heard how he had broken into properties in Westcliff, Chalkwell and Basildon, stealing cash and communications devices such as mobile phones and tablets.

The most recent burglary he committed was at Briscoe Primary School in the Felmores, Basildon, between June 28 and 29, 2017.

The caretaker came into the property and found that drawers were open and around £60 had been stolen.

Gordon was eventually captured by police after leaving samples of DNA behind on all four occasions, including fingerprints and, in one instance, traces of his blood.

Gordon was described by the sentencing judge, David Owen-Jones as a “prolific and professional burglar” owing to his previous burglary convictions dating back as far as 2003.

He had previously served four years in prison after pleading guilty to a string of burglaries.

Handing down a sentence, Mr Owen-Jones gave Gordon three years and nine months in jail, stipulating that he was given a “25 per cent reduction” due to his guilty plea.

Mr Owen-Jones said: “Warren Gordon, you are fastly becoming a professional burglar.

“I have gone through, and do not intend to repeat, the shocking and different burglaries of both non-dwelling and dwelling properties.

“The terrible implications that it has on people who save up to buy a property and they come home to find their house has been turned upside down, and both useful items and items with sentimental values have been stolen.

“It seems to me that the time has now come when people can get a rest from your activities.”

Gordon was arrested as part of Essex Police’s Operation Cuba, which was launched as a method of cracking down on burglaries across the county.