A serial offender and former drug user who barged into his neighbour’s flat and demanded money has been jailed for 32 months.

David Woollard, 39, took £20 from the victim’s wallet and left, Canterbury Crown Court was told.

Woollard, who was living in Military Road, Canterbury at the time, admitted burglary on the day of his trial.

Andrew Forsyth, prosecuting, said the victim lived in a flat opposite Woollard.

On November 21 last year just after midnight Woollard called at the victim’s flat asking for a cup of coffee.

The victim said he would make him one and bring it to Woollard’s flat.

As he opened his door to do so, Woollard tried to barge in demanding money, Mr Forsyth said.

A struggle ensued, Woollard refused to leave and he took the £20 and left. He was arrested and denied the offence.

Woollard has 29 previous convictions, including one for domestic burglary.

“He appreciates he has wasted most of his adult life and is sick of that and wants to move forward...” - Phil Rowley, defending

Probation officer Linda Jaycock told Judge Rupert Lowe that Woollard recognised his drug use had played a major part in his offending.

While on remand in jail he had followed a detox programme and was now drug free.

Phil Rowley, defending, said Class A drugs had been a part of Woollard’s life for 20 years.

“He appreciates he has wasted most of his adult life and is sick of that and wants to move forward,” Mr Rowley said.

Judge Lowe said: “People who are addicted to Class A drugs end up committing a large number of offences, as you have done.

"It is up to you to ensure that you do not start that all over again on release.”

Woollard was also ordered to pay a £170 surcharge and given a five-year restraining order not to contact the victim or go to where he lives.