A burglar addicted to heroin who has already spent one third of his life behind bars has been jailed for another four years.

John Marchant, 30, of Ronald Park Avenue, Westcliff, stole to feed his drugs habit, Southend Crown Court heard. He was sentenced to a total of four years in prison for burglary and for handling stolen goods.

Marchant also asked for a number of similar offences to be taken into consideration. The burglaries were committed while he was released on licence from another prison sentence. This is now incorporated into his new jail term.

Defending, Christopher Paxton said Marchant had readily admitted his burglaries, noted for their lack of sophistication. When pawning stolen goods he often gave his own name and was easily identified by distinctive tattoos on his arms.

Now Marchant has been attending a drug awareness course and has applied for more courses to help him fight his habit.

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