A BURGLAR has appeared in court less than 24 hours after being caught trying to raid a house.

Officers were called to Easson Road, Darlington at 3.05pm on Thursday after a neighbour reported seeing someone climb through a downstairs window.

Police arresting Gavin Jackson in Darlington on Thursday 

Gavin Jackson, from Darlington, had smashed the downstairs window and opened it using the handle to gain access to the property.

Once inside the house, he rifled through various cupboards and drawers before stealing £90 in £2 coins, a spokesperson for Darlington Police said.

After getting the phone call, officers attended on an immediate response and within five minutes had the suspect in handcuffs.

Jackson was taken to custody in Darlington, interviewed by officers and charged with burglary and criminal damage.

The 40-year-old, of Sanderson Street, was remanded in custody and appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

He pleaded guilty to the offences and was given a community order, which he must comply with by July 2021, and was also told to pay compensation.

Detective Constable Helen Hudson, from Darlington CID, said: “This was a great team effort between response officers and CID to bring Jackson swiftly into custody and get him charged and before the courts the next day.”