A GETAWAY driver was caught after choosing a garish gold coloured car to make his escape.

Davie Robin’s choice of vehicle stood out in the streets as he parked up while his gang raided homes in Southend stealing items including a safe.

Robin admitted burglary and attempted burglary at Basildon Crown Court on Monday but was spared an immediate jail sentence.

The court heard the 33-year-old was part of a gang who burgled a house in Prittlewell while a woman was home alone on January 14 last year.

One of the crooks approached the house and threw an object through the back door, causing it to shatter.

The woman screamed and the gang fled.

The second home in Wyatts Drive, Southend was empty as the owners were on holiday.

Robin waited in the car while the rest of the gang broke in.

A safe containing cash and jewellery was taken.

The court heard police were able to chase Robin because the getaway car stood out.

He admitted attempted burglary and burglary despite not entering homes himself because he knew what he was driving people to do.

Robin, formerly of Southend but now of Ramsgate, Kent, moved away from Southend to get away from his criminal contacts.

Judge Samantha Cohen said: “You have taken substantial steps to prevent further offending by removing yourself from the location where your fellow defendants were, and completed a lot of work.”

Robin was given a two year sentence suspended for 20 months, 200 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £2,900 in compensation to his victims.