A WICKFORD man hauled in by police in connection with a burglary ended up £10,000 out of pocket when it was found he was one of those behind the illegal party at East Horndon Church on New Year's Eve.

The 32-year-old man from Wickford was arrested on suspicion of burglary at Heathrow Airport yesterday (Tuesday 2 February). During the investigation he admitted being an organiser of the unlicensed music event at a disused church in East Horndon on New Year's Eve.

Hundreds of people attended the event at All Saints Church which was a clear and blatant breach of the Government's COVID-19 regulations.

When interviewed he admitted being an organiser of the event and, while he was told he would face no further action in connection with the burglary offence, he was issued a £10,000 fixed penalty notice.

Essex Police's investigation into the unlicensed music event continues. Four other people have already been arrested in connection with and have all been released under investigation while police continue their enquiries.