A "prolific and repeat offender" who broke into a pharmacy to steal prescription drugs has been jailed.

Kerry Hollens used his foot to smash a window of a Tonbridge chemist before heading to the dispensing area and snatching medicines including diazepam and zopiclone.

Police were called, checked CCTV at the York Parade business and found Hollens several hours later, in an intoxicated state in Whitelake Road with boxes of diazepam on him.

Hollens told officers he had overdosed and was passed into the care of medical staff. But he later admitted to police he had made up the overdose claims in order to get to hospital and have a cigarette.

The 36-year-old also opened and damaged the till during the break in on the morning of Monday, January 20.

Holens, of no fixed address, was charged with burglary and with breaching a criminal behaviour order by being under the influence of controlled drugs in a public place.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty was sentenced to 14 months' imprisonment.

Tonbridge chief inspector, Pete Steenhuis said: "Hollens has a lengthy history of crime and substance abuse and it is clear he broke into this premises with the sole intention of stealing quantities of prescription drugs for his own consumption.

"He is a prolific and repeat offender who poses a substantial risk not only to businesses, but to himself and the wider community.

"Prison is currently the best place for him, where hopefully he can get the necessary treatment and rehabilitation to reduce the chances of him reoffending in the future.’

Read more: All the latest news from Tonbridge