A man has been jailed for 22 months after stealing bank cards from two women during a church service in Ashford.

Aaron Spendley, 32, of no fixed address, used the stolen cards the same day at a cash and carry shop in the High Street, a petrol station in Brookfield Road and a supermarket in Brookfield Court to buy cigarettes.

Police carried out a number of enquiries and Spendley was identified after being caught on CCTV at one of the stores.

The crime happened on Sunday, November 19.

Spendley was arrested on December 29 and charged with five counts of fraud.

He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court.

Investigating officer, PC Sebastian Goulding, said: "Spendley has shown he is willing to exploit opportunities and take advantage of people in order to fund his lifestyle.

"The victims in this case have sadly been left feeling shocked and unsafe by the theft.

"We will not tolerate these crimes and will do everything we can to seek out those responsible."