A burglar who was found hiding in a wooded area carrying a leopard print suitcase filled with stolen items has been jailed for five years.

Kawsor Ahmed, 37 of no fixed address, was an outstanding burglary suspect when he was arrested in Pier Road, Gillingham.

Ahmed had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and one count of attempted burglary.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that he was spotted near to The Strand, Gillingham, on April 25 by an off-duty policeman who recognised him as a suspect.

The officer reported the matter and patrols were dispatched to the area. While searching the wooded area, near Pier Road officers heard rustling in some nearby shrubs.

They then saw Ahmed running away from them, dropping the suitcase as he did so. This case was found to contain identity cards which came from a property in Waterside Lane, Gillingham.

When they went to the home, officers found that the rear patio doors had been smashed to gain entry.

Following a chase on foot, Ahmed was arrested in Pier Road.

At the time of the arrest, Ahmed was also wanted for a burglary which took place at a shop in Gillingham High Street on March 19. A cash box and small quantity of coins were stolen.

He was also a named suspect for an attempted burglary which took place at a pub in Garden Street, Gillingham, on March 17.

CCTV from the premises showed a man attempting to force entry through a window using an axe and a hammer. He then attempted to slide open a door but again failed. He was subsequently charged with both these offences in custody.

Sgt Adam Duke, from the Medway Community Safety Unit, said: “Kawsor Ahmed has shown he is incapable of living in society without being a persistent threat to members of the public.

“He had recently served a prison sentence for burglary and has re-offended shortly after being released.

“It is fit and proper that he has received this sentence and I hope he takes this sentence as an opportunity to reform.’

He was sentenced to five years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday May 24.