A mother who acted as a getaway driver in a £3,000 burglary was starting a jail sentence today of two years and nine months.

Lesley Powell, 47, was also convicted of running a "drug shop" from her home at Langham Crescent, Billericay. She was helped in selling cannabis by 26-year-old Roy Schofield, of Clayburn Circle, Basildon.

To boost their trade Schofield organised a raid on an isolated bungalow near Brentwood. They were helped by 22-year-old Dean Gibbons, of Hutton, who admitted going to the scene, but denied burglary. However, he was found guilty of the offence following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

Powell waited outside in her Ford as Gibbons loaded the car with stolen property after Schofield had broken in.

The raid went wrong after a neighbour noted the car number and phoned police. Schofield was given a four-year sentence for burglary, drug offences and theft.

Gibbons was sentenced to 15 months for his part in the burglary.

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