A man from Upminster has received a suspended sentence after breaking into a home in Braintree and being arrested shortly after fleeing the scene. Christopher Searle, 32, was apprehended on June 22, 2024, following a burglary incident in Great Bardfield, after the police were alerted by a woman who heard a loud noise and saw a man breaking into the house while holding a knife.
Officers, assisted by the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter, quickly responded to the area and located Searle traveling in a van along Coggeshall Road, Braintree. Despite his initial claim that he was being chased and was not involved in the burglary, Searle later admitted to the crime, stating he had taken hallucinogenic drugs and believed people were after him. He also explained he was attempting to steal car keys to escape.
After a full investigation, Searle was charged with burglary and possession of a bladed article. He pleaded guilty to both offenses when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court in October 2024.
On January 30, 2025, Searle was sentenced to a 10-month prison term for burglary, suspended for two years. He also received a concurrent four-month sentence for possessing a bladed article. In addition to the suspended sentence, he was ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity, carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, and pay £3,500 in compensation to the victim.
