A PAIR of crooks used a stolen van full of Christmas presents in a failed attempt to raid a garage in Wickford.

Scott Stevens, 37, and Joseph Phillips, 22, changed the number plates on the vehicle and broke into a garage in Fourth Avenue, before being disturbed by a member of the public.

The van was being used for Amazon deliveries and contained £1,000 worth of packages.

Both men, who have previous for similar offences, escaped jail at Basildon Crown Court yesterday.

Prosecuting Olivier Kirk said: “The two defendants admitted the offences at different stages, a stolen van was found worth about £1,000 with packages.

“It was stolen on December 8 2018. False number plates were put onto the van and each defendant was found in the van which was linked to a burglary in Fourth Avenue, Wickford on January 16 2019.

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“A member of the public saw the van and both men had bolt clippers and the number plate was circulated. The defendants were found in the van and their DNA was found too.

“The burglary was at garage and nothing was taken, both men denied the offences in their police interview.”

Mitigating for Stevens, EmmaLouise Heath, told the court he has reading, writing and understanding difficulties and wants to make a new life for himself.

She said: “There has been no offending since these matters and he says his motivation for this is his children.

“He does seem to be turning around for his life.”

Mitigating for Phillips, Hannah Hurley, said he has changed his life around and set up a plastering business.

Judge Andrew Hurst said: “These offences are now very old and there’s been considerable delay.

“Baring in mind the delay is not Mr Steven’s fault and Mr Phillips has been in prison it would be unjust to send you both to prison.”

Stevens, of Meadow Lane, Runwell, was sentenced to 16 months suspended for 18 months, 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 days rehabilitation.

Phillips, of Anchor Way, Bermondsey, was handed nine months suspended for 24 months and 200 hours of unpaid work.