A fraudster has been jailed for trying to get a refund from a charity shop for a soft toy, although he had not paid for it.

Jay Pemberton, 34, pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud by false representation when he appeared before Medway magistrates following an appeal by police for information.

Officers released two CCTV images of Pemberton, of Coronation Road, Chatham, which were taken at the League of Friends shop at Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham.

He had gone into the shop on December 18, picked up a pink teddy bear and handed it to staff asking for a refund.

Pemeberton claimed he’d brought the toy earlier and wanted a refund. Staff handed over £19.99 to him and he left.

Afterwards, staff thought his actions may have been fraudulent and they contacted police.

“We had an incredible response to the appeal to identify the man in the CCTV images" - Sgt Dan Blatter

Officers investigating the incident reviewed CCTV footage and released images of the suspect.

After an overwhelming public response for information he was arrested four days later.

Pemberton was originally charged with tendering a counterfeit currency note and the two fraud charges.

But one fraud charge and tendering a fake note allegation were withdrawn when he appeared in the dock.

Magistrates jailed him for 30 days.

However, because he had committed it while on a suspended sentence he was actually jailed for 120 days.

Magistrates also ordered him to pay £19.99 in compensation.

After sentencing, Sgt Dan Blatter, said: “We had an incredible response to the appeal to identify the man in the CCTV images.

“I would like to thank everyone who provided information and helped to bring this offender to justice.

“Pemberton claimed to have bought a toy that he had just picked up from the shelf in order to get a refund.

“This result sends out a strong message that we are dedicated to catching offenders and putting them before the courts.”