A MAN has been jailed after stealing from a Benfleet family “who gave him a roof over his head when he fell on hard times”.

Daniel Holloway, 37, of Goodwood Avenue, Hornchurch, has been jailed for 16 months after admitting two counts of burglary and two counts of fraud. 

Essex Police launched an investigation after it was reported that numerous items had been stolen from two Benfleet properties in June and July 2022.

The first victim had allowed Holloway to stay at her home in High Road, Benfleet, after he fell on hard times.

Officers said that shortly after he moved in, he stole food, alcohol and jewellery.

Holloway then later moved into another address in Raymonds Drive, Benfleet, as a lodger.

However, on July 16, the owner of the property reported that numerous items had been stolen from his address.

These items included electric tools, a guitar, bike and stereo. 

Holloway was arrested by police and a search of his phone revealed that he had sold the items or borrowed money against them.

At Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay compensation to both of his victims.

Det Sgt Natacha Brown praised the offices who dealt with the case.

She said: “Holloway took advantage of people who had given him a roof over his head when he fell on hard times.

“He repaid their kindness by stealing from them.

“Our officers responded quickly to this incident and swiftly recovered vital evidence enabling us to get justice.”