A burglar who broke into a home by scaling a lamppost before threatening the victim with a knife and bottle has been jailed.

Carlton Gregoire and two criminal accomplices travelled to the home in Dartford in a Hyundai, parking near to The Brent on May 2.

It was then that two of the men covered their faces as they climbed a lamppost to access the property before forcing a window open.

The occupant of the house was then threatened by two men holding a knife and bottle, prompting him to flee from the scene and hide behind some cars until the offenders left.

Officers were alerted and investigators recovered CCTV that showed the men arriving in the Hyundai.

Further enquiries revealed the car had travelled from the Romford area prior to the incident, before returning.

Detectives went on to prove Gregoire had access to the vehicle and had travelled to the scene when the offence was committed.

Gregoire, of Felstead Road, Newham, London, was arrested in Romford on June 4 and was later charged with aggravated burglary.

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Court Court and today (August 30), the 29-year-old was sentenced to three years and nine months’ imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Richard Taylor, of the Kent Crime Squad, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim who had no idea why his home had been targeted.

“It is fortunate he was able to flee and avoid suffering any injury but he will continue to be affected by his ordeal.

“This type of crime is always a priority for us and a prompt investigation ensured we were able to identify one of the perpetrators and then recover sufficient evidence to place him safely behind bars.”