A FORMER Ipswich drug addict arrested wearing surgical gloves, carrying a torch and trying to load a stolen Dyson into a waiting car faces jail.Philip Matthews, 33, and co defendant Graham Kerry, 44, were caught by police in bushes along Oakhill Lane as they tried to load stolen property into Kerry's waiting Escort.

A FORMER Ipswich drug addict arrested wearing surgical gloves, carrying a torch and trying to load a stolen Dyson into a waiting car faces jail.

Philip Matthews, 33, and co defendant Graham Kerry, 44, were caught by police in bushes along Oakhill Lane as they tried to load stolen property into Kerry's waiting Escort.

A jury at Ipswich Crown Court took less than half an hour to throw out the pair's claims that the stumbled on the treasure-trove of household goods, including a lawn mower and drill, on their way back from the pub.

In January 2001 Matthews was acquitted by Norwich Crown Court of the murder of Francis Phillips on August 1 2000 in Vernon Street, Ipswich.

Matthews denied stabbing his girlfriend's 40-year-old former lover.

During his trial for burglary at Ipswich Crown Court heard that police were alerted to suspicious activities near the garage and went to investigate.

Michael Procter, prosecuting, said that 2.15am on June 3 the officers saw Matthews carrying a Dyson vacuum cleaner. He was wearing rubber gloves and Kerry was holding a torch.

The pair said they discovered a cache of stolen goods when they were walking home after drinking at The Smock, in Maidenhall on June 3 last year.

Kerry and Matthews admitted theft but denied burgling a garage belonging to Stefan Sylvester of Oakhill Lane.

Matthews claimed he was wearing surgical gloves to protect his hands after he cut his fist smashing a window.

When the pair were arrested a quantity of other stolen items was seized including a lawn mower, a battery charger, a camera and a drill.

When asked why his torch lens was art covered, Kerry claimed it was to reduce the beam when he went fishing.

But after his conviction, the jury learned of Kerry's 94 previous convictions for a string of offences ranging from shop lifting to burglary.

Kerry, currently on remand, is also due to appear before Ipswich magistrates charged with the possession of Class A and Class B drugs with the intent to supply.

Judge John Holt called Matthews, a former drug addict with a string of shop lifting convictions, a "petty, dishonest criminal".

He adjourned sentencing on both men for a month pending reports.