A BURGLAR has been jailed for eight years after a homeowner caught him on camera escaping from their house.

Irvin Teggart broke into the home in Abberton on April 4 to steal a laptop, camera and jewellery.

He was first spotted by the victim as they left their home at around 2.30pm, when Teggart was walking along the road.

When the victim returned 45 minutes later to find his home had been ransacked, he left the house and saw the suspect walking away.

The victim took a picture of Teggart and contacted police.

Teggart, 49, of Haven Road, Colchester was arrested on April 21 in the Greenstead area and was charged with burglary.

Police discovered Teggart's DNA inside the victim's property.

Teggart admitted burglary when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday and he was jailed for eight years on Monday.

Detective Sergeant Paul Olney from Colchester CID said: “Burglary is an invasive crime that has a big impact on the victim.

“It is something that we take very seriously and I am pleased we’ve been able to bring Irvin Teggart to justice.

“He broke into the victim’s home, invaded their personal space, and stole items that were valuable to them.

“He now has a considerable amount of time in prison to reflect on the consequences of his actions and the affect it has had on the victim.”