A burglar has been jailed for a year thanks to the "quick-thinking" of his victim.

The victim was working in his home garage at The Knares, Basildon, on the evening of Thursday October 13, when he left the garage unattended for five minutes as he went into his home.

Upon his return, at around 9.40pm, he immediately realised two motorcycle helmets were missing, along with other items.

The victim saw a man, later identified as Martin Pardoe, walking down the road carrying his crash helmets and angle grinder: he followed him in his van for a short distance, detaining him before calling 999.

Officers attended and arrested the 29-year-old who was in possession of cannabis and cash from the burglary.

During his interview at the police station, Pardoe confirmed he had entered the garage and stole the property.

Pardoe, originally from Dagenham, also admitted causing damage to the holding cell by spitting, requiring specialist cleaning. When he was asked to stop, he spat at the police officer.

Martin Pardoe, 29, of no fixed abode, was charged with burglary, possession of cannabis, criminal damage and assault on an emergency worker and remanded to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday October 15 where he admitted the offences.

Martin Pardoe was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday (November 23).

He was jailed for a year for burglary and was sentenced to two months imprisonment for drug possession and assault and a month for criminal damage – all to run concurrently.

PC Lewis, investigating, said: “Burglary is an invasive crime: investigating burglaries and supporting victims is a priority for us because we know the impact having your home broken into can have.

“Martin Pardoe was caught on CCTV entering and leaving the garage, leaving him no option but to admit his guilt.”