A Faversham man who stole copper from a railway line hut in Herne Bay and caused £1,500 worth of damage has been sentenced.

Robert Lee was spotted next to the line by two members of rail staff in Brook Lane, Reculver around 12.15pm on Wednesday, October 26.

After the 35-year-old left the trackside they inspected the area and discovered around six feet of copper had been cut away.

Having memorised his car number plate, the employees called police who then paid a visit to Lee’s house in Plantation Road.

Despite claiming to have been out picking mushrooms in the Reculver area with a friend, he was arrested on suspicion of theft.

His house was searched and bolt croppers found.

British Transport Police detective constable Andy Devereese said: "We are using a wide range of tactics to tackle metal and cable theft across the county.

"We will continue to carry out high-visbility patrols at known areas of cable theft activity across Kent, as well as at scrap yards, which are a key role in tracking stolen metal and cable.

"These criminal acts have to stop. Every day passengers and essential freight deliveries upon which our economy relies are being delayed by thieves looking to make a quick buck at our expense."

Lee pleaded guilty to theft at Canterbury Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 11 and was handed a 12 month Community Order, requiring him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay £85 costs.