A security guard who stole a stash of iPads from a grammar school after being sacked by bosses has avoided jail.

In a series of raids, James Matthews smashed through the doors of the IT department at Simon Langton Boys' in Canterbury to reach the brand-new Apple devices.

But the 32-year-old was caught out when the head teacher recognised his “distinctive gait” on CCTV.

The thief was handed a suspended sentence at Canterbury Crown Court for stealing 22 of the gadgets, which had been intended for disadvantaged children.

The court was previously told how Matthews raided the school three times in the summer, but was arrested after camera footage was reviewed.

Police searched his home and found two hidden iPads still in their boxes.

Ten more were recovered from a local shop, although seven had already been sold, meaning three “remain in the wind,” Judge Mark Weekes said.

Matthews initially denied burglary after his arrest but owned up after being shown camera footage from the school.

Prosecutor John Connor told a previous hearing: "CCTV was reviewed by the headmaster, Ken Mofatt, who identified [Matthews] because he has a distinctive gait."

Judge Weekes told Matthews the “mean offence” would have been to the detriment of children’s education.

“Having been dismissed from your employment, you returned [to the school] of your own accord having obtained that information and knowledge,” he said.

"This was a mean offence, a gross breach of trust, and those most affected by it would have been the children at the school who would have lost the ability to use these devices, at least for some time.”

Matthews targeted his former workplace in June after being fired for timesheet irregularities, the court heard.

Mitigating, Phil Rowley explained Matthews was of previous good character and committed the crimes after suffering financial hardship, which exacerbated mental health problems.

The lawyer pointed to probation reports which deemed Matthews at low risk of reoffending and racked with “genuine remorse and shame”.

“He is now a man estranged from his family with limited social contact with others," he added.

"He describes himself as a very private man, who has historically worked and provided for himself."

Matthews, of New Dover Road, Canterbury, pleaded guilty earlier this year to three counts of non-domestic burglary.

Handing down a 20-month sentence suspended for 18 months, Judge Weekes also imposed 200 hours of unpaid work.

Matthews must also pay £1,200 compensation and complete a four-month house curfew from 8pm to 8am.