A burglar who was chased down a Darlington street after he stole items including Easter eggs has been jailed. 

A hearing at Teesside Crown Court was told the woman had woken up at around 4am on April 8 when she saw Matthew Gilligan walking out of the front door of her house in Victoria Embankment, Darlington.

She chased him down the road and demanded he returned the items he had stolen, which included Easter eggs, cleaning products, and a handbag.

Around 15 minutes later, Gilligan was stopped by police and searched – officers found he was carrying a car key, a Mazda service book, a car air freshener and charging cables, which he had also taken from the woman’s car.(Image: Durham Police)

The 42-year-old was arrested and charged with burglary, attempted burglary, theft from a vehicle and vehicle interference.

He admitted the offences and was jailed for two years and four months at Teesside Crown Court on Monday (July 15).

Chief Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite, from Durham Constabulary, said: “Gilligan is an opportunistic thief who is prolific in Darlington.

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“I am pleased he has admitted his guilt and is now behind bars, which will give residents some respite from his offending.”

If you have information on offending in your area, contact us on 101 or report online at www.durham.police.uk Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.