'Prolific burglar' jailed after admitting to three break-ins in Halstead

A prolific burglar, who was connected to a break-in in Halstead earlier this year after his blood was found at the scene, has been jailed this week.

Nicholas Gallagher, 46, of no fixed abode, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday for his sentencing hearing, after he admitted to burgling a house in Beridge Road some time between 4.30pm on Saturday, January 27 and 3am on Sunday, January 28.

Blood was discovered by investigators at the scene of the crime, which forensic testing later identified as belonging to Gallagher, who had broken into the home by smashing a rear window.

Once inside the house, he searched several rooms, stealing jewellery, a games console, controllers and games, bottles of alcohol, and a drill.

However, in the process, his blood was smeared on walls, doors, surfaces, light switches and other bottles of alcohol.

Gallagher was subsequently arrested on Tuesday, February 13 by Essex Police, and later charged with the burglary.

While being questioned by police officers, he also admitted to carrying out two other burglaries in Halstead back in February - one in Bois Field Terrace and Monklands Court.

These separate offences were taken into account by the crown court, which handed Gallagher a prison term of four years.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Joanne Lewis, the investigating officer from Braintree CID, said: “Nicholas Gallagher is a prolific burglar, who has no respect for other people’s possessions or property.

“He obviously injured himself during the break-in, and the blood left at the scene gave us DNA evidence, which left him no option but to admit his guilt.

“He did at least then admit to carrying out two other burglaries, meaning we can get the people who live there justice.

“I hope Gallagher uses his time in prison to reflect on his actions and the impact they have had on his victims.”