A burglar who targeted a vulnerable pensioner four times has been jailed.

Douglas Brown went to his victim's home in Wateringbury on April 2 and used a screwdriver to force open the front door.

He stole a bank card and used it to travel by train into Maidstone, where he fraudulently used the card to buy tobacco, cigarettes and a sandwich at two shops in the Broadway.

The victim, who was not home when Brown broke in, did not notice they had been burgled and the burglar was able to target the address using the same method three further times in the next fortnight.

On the first two occasions he stole cash and on the third he took the victim’s new bank card, and once again travelled into Maidstone on the train.

He made fraudulent purchases of tobacco, food and a bus day pass at four town centre shops.

Police were alerted to the crimes and, following an investigation by the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, the 53-year-old was identified as being responsible.

"This man has been removed from the streets and is no longer a danger to the vulnerable within our communities..."

He was arrested on April 22 at his home in Bow Road, Wateringbury, and was charged with four burglaries and 11 fraud offences.

Brown pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Friday he was sentenced to three years in prison.

Investigating officer, DC Rob Fagg, said: "Brown saw an opportunity to steal from a pensioner while they were away from home and stole cash they could ill-afford to lose.

"Burglary is an appalling crime and leaves victims feeling nervous about leaving their home and fearful of being targeted again. This is particularly true of the elderly.

"I am pleased that within a month of his arrest, this man has been removed from the streets and is no longer a danger to the vulnerable within our communities."

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone