A BRAZEN burglar broke into people’s homes and stole a laptop, iPhone, house keys and car keys.

Jon Paul Healey was spotted acting suspiciously in Friars Walk in Lewes.

But the 39-year-old got more than he bargained for at one property, stuffing items into a bag containing soiled babies nappies.

Police were called after Healey was spotted trying doors in the street, and was also spotted attempting to burgle properties in Pelham Terrace and St John’s Hill as well.

At Lewes Crown Court it was revealed Healey has been a prolific burglar, turning to crime to fund drug use.

His lawyers said he was ready to address his behaviour, but Her Honour Judge Janet Waddicor said putting Healey behind bars was the only option left.

He was jailed for three years and five months.

Lewes Crown Court.

Lewes Crown Court.

Naomi Edwards, prosecuting, said the break-ins took place in the early hours of April 3 this year in Lewes.

She said in two successful raids Healey stole three laptops, an iPhone and baby-changing bag from one property, and keys, four bottles of alcohol and cutlery from another.

He also attempted to break-in to seven other homes, using tools to attack sash windows.

When arrested nearby, stolen items were found dumped, including the baby-changing bag.

Healey became “abusive” and kicked out at one officer as he was being arrested.

He admitted two burglaries, seven attempted burglaries, and one assault on an emergency worker.

Friars Walk in Lewes, where homes were burgled in April 2021

Friars Walk in Lewes, where homes were burgled in April 2021

Rachel Lancaster, defending, asked for a pre-sentence report for Healey to find a way to get him drug rehabilitation.

But Judge Janet Waddicor refused the application.

Ms Lancaster said Healey had relapsed, and was spending as much as £60 per day for drugs like heroin.

She said her client accepts that breaking into people’s homes is a “nasty business”.

He has 15 previous convictions for 60 offences, and was previously ordered to clean up his act with drugs rehabilitation.

But the ten new offences were the third time he has been caught burgling people’s homes.

Ms Lancaster said Healey has got himself off drugs, but said he would “inevitably” relapse and decline if he does not get support.

The judge told Healey, of Lower Rock Gardens, Brighton, he had caused “distress and upset”.

Jon Paul Healey was jailed for burgling peoples homes in Lewes

Jon Paul Healey was jailed for burgling people's homes in Lewes

She said: “The idea that a stranger at night gains entry into their home to help themselves to bits and pieces can cause serious alarm and fear.

“It doesn’t require any imagination to know the impact this is likely to have had upon the individuals involved.

“You were at it in the most brazen way. You were chancing your luck, you went to steal as much as you could from wherever you could. You have pages and pages of previous convictions.

“Many were for dishonesty and residential burglaries. You know the system. You know you end up with a prison sentence.”

She said previous courts had given Healey a lifeline in August last year, but said only prison was justified.

Healey is now behind bars.

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