A burglar who targeted the same elderly gentleman on three occasions has been jailed.

Shaun Briggs visited the property in Riverhead in August 2015.

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to two burglaries and one count of theft.

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, September 19.

The court heard how Briggs, of Halifax Road in Bradford, had gained the trust of his victim on August 16 by speaking to him in a local pub and telling him he reminded him of his grandfather.

He then insisted on accompanying the elderly man home, despite being told an escort wasn't required.

As they reached the front door, the victim felt Briggs reaching into his rear trouser pocket.

Briggs spent some time inside the property with the victim before leaving.

The elderly man later realised that a quantity of cash had gone missing, so went out to withdraw some more.

Briggs returned to the address later that day, telling the owner that he had taken some money which he wanted to give back.

He went on to steal the victim's wallet with the new cash inside however.

The 32-year-old returned for a third time the following day, this time accompanied by a woman.

The woman claimed she needed to phone for a taxi, and once the gentleman had let her in, he found Briggs sitting in his living room.

An altercation ensued which caused the man to fall back onto a chair.

Once Briggs had left the man noticed his wallet and bank cards had been returned, but more cash had been stolen.

In addition to these crimes, Briggs also admitted burgling a parking hut in Knole Park, again on August 16.

Detective Constable Lisa Stevens, the investigating officer for this case, said: "Briggs is a fit, young man who chose to a target an elderly man who was clearly vulnerable.

"His offending was deceitful and malicious and is aggravated by the fact he twice returned to the victim’s home after the first visit.

"His actions show him to be a clear threat to the public and it is fit and proper that he has received a custodial sentence for these offences.

"I am pleased that we have managed to secure justice for the victim and I would like to thank him for supporting this prosecution."