A burglar netted more than £250,000 from a series of antiques thefts from isolated properties throughout Essex.

Ronald Brown targeted retired and vulnerable people during the four months before he was caught.

Very little of the property he stole was recovered and the money he got for it was used to pay for his heroin habit, Chelmsford Crown Court heard

Clocks, jewellery, silver, furniture and ornaments were stolen by 37-year-old Brown before he was caught, thanks to sharp-eyed postman Colin James.

Brown, of no fixed address, was jailed for five years after he admitted three burglaries and one attempted burglary. He also asked for another eight burglaries to be considered.

Peter Fenn, prosecuting, said Brown broke into houses throughout Essex and one just over the Suffolk border in Stratford St Mary. He specialised in antiques which he took away in his black BMW car.

Glenn Harris, mitigating, said Brown had admitted what he had done and had shown remorse. His heroin habit was the reason for his offending, Mr Harris said.

At the end of the case, Judge Chris Ball QC said Mr James should receive £100 from the High Sherrif of Essex for his actions in helping to catch Brown.

Published Monday August 26, 2002

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