AN armed burglar who stole a pensioner’s Hyundai after breaking into his home in the early hours of the morning told a judge “there won’t be no more problems” after avoiding a prison term.

Connor Downer, 19, broke into two homes in Colchester and attempted to steal two cars – a Hyundai and a Ford Focus – back in April.

Along with a 17-year-old accomplice, Downer arrived at the scene armed with screwdrivers so the two could break into the pensioner’s house.

After finding a set of car keys, Downer then drove off in a white Hyundai before police tried to stop him at St Botolph’s roundabout later that morning.

But Downer refused to stop, leaving the car on a sideroad and making off on foot before police later caught up with and arrested the 19-year-old.

Downer, of Thomas Benold Walk, Colchester, gave a ‘no comment’ interview and was remanded in custody in May before admitting the offences at Colchester Magistrates' Court in June.

At Ipswich Crown Court on Monday, Downer – who has six previous convictions for 16 offences – appeared for sentencing before Judge Richard Kelly.

Stephen Dyble, for Downer, said the 19-year-old had already served his time given he had been in custody for six months.

He said: “To a very large extent, he has been punished – he has served the lion’s share of any sentence.

“The time has come to help this young man by way of rehabilitation.”

Addressing the teenager, Judge Kelly said: “You suggest that the penny has dropped for you in that you realise things can’t go on like this, and you have to have regard to the people being affected by your criminal behaviour - in particular your girlfriend and young child.”

Judge Kelly passed a sentence of 17 months suspended for two years, adding he wanted “to give you a chance to demonstrate that you are able to live your life without any further offending.”

Downer must also carry out 25 days of rehab activity, undergo planned intervention work, attend mental health treatment sessions for 12 months, and carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

After receiving his sentence, Downer said: “I can assure you there will not be no messing around.”

Judge Kelly responded: “The opportunity is there for you to take – if you choose not to take it I think you know what’s going to happen, don’t you.”