A MAN has been jailed for stealing four laptops from a Chelmsford nursery school on Christmas Day, despite being under suspended sentences for previous convictions.

Kye Ward admitted entering Tanglewood Nursery in Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford, as a trespasser and taking the laptops. He pleaded guilty during an appearence at ChelmsfordMagistrates’ Court.

Staff at the nursery, which prides itself on being able to provide a “happy, calm and secure environment” were left shocked by the burglary and particularly upset that it had happened on Christmas Day.

A spokesman for the nursery, which caters for three to six-year-olds said: “We were very shocked to be informed. The intruder had to go to extreme lengths to gain access into the building as the building is extremely secure and our security systems are effective.

“The laptops were about to be disposed of so no personal information was on them.

“The police response was excellent. It is still very sad to think that someone would target a nursery, particularly on Christmas day.”

Ward of Christy Avenue, Chelmsford, received an 18-week jail sentence for the offence as it was deemed by magistrates to be so serious because of his previous convictions and the fact that the offence was committed while he was already serving suspended sentences for previous offences.

These included trespassing at Mimosa, in Broomfield Road, in Chelmsford in August last year.

The 38-year-old also received prison terms of 24 weeks and six months to run consecutively for breaching his previous suspended sentences.

The 18-week sentence will run alongside the latter terms, bringing his total jail sentence to 50 weeks.

He was also ordered by magistrates