A repeat offender was so desperate for drugs he burgled his own mother, leaving her traumatised, a court heard.

Former Chatham Grammar School pupil Thomas Hammell damaged a kitchen door to gain entry before stealing a vase containing £100 and a sports bag.

His mother returned to her home in Montgomery Avenue, Chatham, on March 25 this year to find her dog was no longer shut in the kitchen and glass on the floor.

“She suspected her son was responsible because it had happened before,” said prosecutor John O’Higgins.

“He had stolen from her on numerous occasions to fund his drugs habit.”

CCTV cameras were checked and the 33-year-old father was seen carrying the distinctive pink and black sports bag.

Mr O’Higgins told Maidstone Crown Court Hammell, of no fixed address, was arrested on May 12 but the case against him did not proceed because of insufficient evidence.

It was while he was in jail for shoplifting that he wrote to his girlfriend and a probation officer confessing to the burglary. He then made full admissions.

Mr O’Higgins said the victim, a mum-of-three, had made an impact statement but Judge Charles Macdonald QC did not allow him to read it out.

Hammell was facing a minimum three-year jail sentence as a “three strikes” burglar, having committed two previously.

The judge reduced the term to two years and eight months because of Hammell’s guilty plea.

Sara Haroon, defending, said Hammell grew up in the Medway towns and left school with good grades in nine GCSEs. He worked with his father as a roofer but was already using drugs by the age of 16 and quickly moved onto hard substances.

“His subsequent offending has been to support his addiction to drugs or as a result of being under the influence of them,” said Miss Haroon.

Things improved last year when he obtained work as a forklift truck driver and became a supervisor. But he had no time to attend meetings to assist with drug issues. As a result, he relapsed and committed more offences.

“He describes his behaviour as disgusting and terrible,” said Miss Haroon. “He has struggled with his demons. He has told me how tired he is of his lifestyle.

“He is an intelligent man. His motivation is high.”

Hammell’s mother was the primary carer for his eldest child. He also has a seven-month-old daughter.

Judge Macdonald told Hammell: “The victim personal statement shows your mother suffered more than the usual trauma and was compelled to leave home due to vulnerability and stress.

“There is some mitigation in your remorse. There is some evidence of reform, though with an offender such as you I have to say it is slender at this stage.”