A PROLIFIC burglar has admitted a string of offences including barging into a house armed with a harmful liquid.

Kieron Nickels has admitted seven crimes of burglary, fraud and handling stolen goods over the course of a few months this year.

The 20-year-old broke into several premises in Basildon, Benfleet and Southend in August and September this year.

His first offence saw him break into a commercial premises in Basildon to steal computers, electrical equipment and card readers.

He also stole a Hyundai vehicle, and was involved in transporting a Mercedes which he knew was stolen.

Nickels also admitted one count of fraud, where he had attempted to convince a shop worker that he had authorisation to use a bank card which he had previously stolen.

In his most serious offence, Nickels stormed into a house in Glenhurst Road, Southend, carrying a bottle of noxious liquid, which he intended to use if he was held up, and stole a bag full of bank cards, gift vouchers and cash.

Nickels, of Orlando Drive, Basildon, appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday to confess to all seven of his crimes.

He stood dressed in grey trousers and a long sleeve jumper, speaking only to confirm his name and nationality and enter his pleas.

The court heard that Nickels is a prolific previous offender, having been in and out of the youth courts since he was a teenager.

Judge John Lodge adjourned Nickels’ sentencing until the beginning of January to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Addressing Nickels, he said: “I’m not going to sentence you today, not until I know your previous convictions and how dangerous you are.

“No matter what, you can expect this to be a very long custodial sentence indeed.

“You will be remanded in custody in the meantime.”

Nickels remained impassive throughout the hearing and did not react to any of the details of his crimes.

He will be sentenced at the same court on January 6 next year after the probation service’s pre-sentence report is completed.