A MAN has been convicted of stealing jewellery including a wedding ring during a burglary.

Police were called after the owner of a house in Fern Road, St Leonards, returned home to discover items were missing.

The stolen property included two watches, coins worth around £1,000, cigarettes and a small jewellery box containing a wedding ring and bracelets.

Officers viewed nearby CCTV, which showed a man getting out of a taxi and breaking into the house.

Enquiries with the taxi company identified Matthew Labbett as a suspect.

He was arrested and found in possession of a large quantity of coins, cigarettes and clothing that matched that of the man seen on CCTV.

The 39-year-old was charged with dwelling burglary and theft.

At Brighton Magistrates' Court, he pleaded guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody for sentencing on May 27.

Inspector Mark Botley said: "Thanks to a quick response and good local knowledge, officers were able to secure crucial evidence and not only identify a suspect, but also make an arrest within hours of first receiving the report.

"Burglary is a devastating crime. It can result in the loss of property and money, but also the feeling of safety that everybody should have in their own home.

"We will continue to respond and investigate reports of burglary, and we encourage people to get in touch with us as soon as they become aware of a crime taking place."

The burglary took place on April 28.