A “nasty and cowardly” thief, who targeted an 86-year-old Canterbury man to steal his wallet, has been sent to jail.

Trusting pensioner John Cook had used conman Liam Dellaway before for work at his home in Hill View Road.

But the 21-year-old used that fact to trick his way into the property asking for more work.

But Canterbury Crown Court heard how when Mr Cook’s back was turned, Dellaway stole his wallet containing £180 and his driver’s licence.

That was committed just a week after Dellaway had been convicted of shoplifting and given a conditional discharge.

"This was a nasty cowardly offence of burglary going into the home of an 86-year-old man" - Judge Heather Norton

Prosecutor Patrick Dennis said: “This was a distraction burglary and the victim was vulnerable because of his age.”

Dellaway, of Wain House Close, Edenbridge pleaded guilty to burglary and was jailed for 27 months.

His barrister Rupert Gregory said the burglary was an escalation in his previous offending which including shoplifting.

Judge Heather Norton told him: “This was a nasty cowardly offence of burglary going into the home of an 86-year-old man.

“He was a vulnerable individual, someone for whom you had previously done some work. This indicates that you knew exactly who he was and his age.

“You went there under the pretence that you wanted to discuss some future work – but your true motivation as that you wanted to steal from him and that is precisely what you did.”

The judge added that the wallet and the money were stolen – and have not been recovered.

“You left him now feeling his confidence has been knocked and feels you have abused the trust he placed in you in inviting you into his home,” she added.

After sentencing, PC Pete Frampton said: "The victim was an elderly man who believed Dellaway was a genuine caller who he trusted as he had carried out work for him in the past.

"Dellaway took advantage of that trust. But I hope the court result shows that anyone considering other similar cowardly crimes can expect to be caught and dealt with in an appropriate manner."