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Thief sentenced to more than two years in prison after breaking into home in Fern Walk, Murston
14:59, 15 July 2019
updated: 15:15, 15 July 2019
A "callous" thief has been given more than two years in prison after leaving a blood stain at the scene.
Joseph Clarke was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday to 28 months after pleading guilty to burglary.
The 46-year-old, of no fixed address, admitted targeting a home in Fern Walk, Murston, on Wednesday, May 29.
The court heard how the victims left to go to church at about 9.30am and found a back window smashed when they returned about three hours later.
A hand-held games console and a small amount of cash had also been taken.
Investigators found a blood stain on the kitchen cupboard and DNA proved a match for Clarke.
DC Richard Sears said: "Burglary is a deeply intrusive offence and Joseph Clarke caused the victims a significant amount of distress.
"His decision to cause a large amount of damage to their home, so that he could steal items of relatively low value, shows him to be a callous offender and I am pleased we have secured justice for the victims."
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