A MAN who stole credit cards and fraudulently used them has escaped a prison sentence.

Tony Burry, 26, of Link Road, Canvey, broke into a house on the island and stole the homeowners bank cards as well as a camera, mobile phone.

Basildon Crown Court heard how he then withdrew almost £850 from two separate bank accounts.

This included £300 cash and multiple transactions at Bargain Booze stores in South Ockendon and Canvey.

At the time of the offences, back in March, Burry was wanted on recall to prison for breaching his parole conditions.

The court heard how he had a string of previous convictions dating back to 1999, including burglary, taking a vehicle without consent and a public order offence.

In 2004 he was sentenced to five years in prison for attempted robbery.
Chris Whitcombe, mitigating for Burry, revealed that the father of one had since turned his life around and given up drugs and alcohol.

Since being released from prison for a second time in July he has been working for Essex Steel, based on Canvey.

Mr Whitcombe said: “His motivation for being tempted was down to what he saw as his imminent return to custody. He knew that his partner, who was at that time pregnant with their child, would struggle financially.

“He’s not a young man who comes to court with an on-off girlfriend and a job which starts on Monday. All parts of his life are stable.”

Burry admitted one count of burglary and five counts of fraud.

During an appearance at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday he was given a 12 month sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Addressing Burry, His Honour Judge Jonathan Black said: “It would appear that you are at a stage in your life where you recognise the need for change. You appear to have put your alcohol and drug problems behind you. You have stable accommodation, a settled partner and a full-time job.

“If I was to send you to prison you would lose all of that and all your motivation would be lost.”