A Hornchurch man who stole from two people who housed him during "hard times" has been jailed.

Daniel Holloway, 37, of Goodwood Avenue, was sentenced to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay compensation to both his victims.

A probe was launched by Essex Police after they received reports of several items being stolen from two Benfleet properties in June and July 2022.

The force revealed that the first victim had allowed Holloway to stay at her place in High Road, Benfleet, after he fell on "hard times".

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Holloway was found to have stolen food, alcohol and jewellery from her home.

In another instance, the police said Holloway had moved into another address in Raymonds Drive in Benfleet as a lodger.

On July 16, the owner of the property reported that several things were stolen from his home such as electric tools, a guitar, a bike and stereo.

Officers arrested Holloway and searched his phone that showed that he had sold the items or borrowed money against them.

Holloway pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and two counts of fraud.

He appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday (February 28) where he was found guilty and sent to jail.

Det Sgt Natacha Brown said: “Holloway took advantage of people who had given him a roof over his head when he fell on hard times.

“He repaid their kindness by stealing from them."