A burglar who was challenged by a 72-year-old woman as he tried to steal her belongings has been jailed.

Jurijus Kuznecovas was caught in the act by Margaret Allen as she returned to her home in Albert Road, Canterbury.

She had only been out for 15 minutes but heard a loud bang while she was in the lounge.

As she approached her front door, she noticed a carrier bag full of goods and saw the 29-year-old thief running down the stairs with an armful of her belongings.

She screamed at him to leave and wrestled him outside, causing him to drop items along the road as he fled.

It happened on October 1.

Kuznecovas, of Spring Lane, Canterbury, was jailed for 16 months at Canterbury Crown Court after admitting burglary.

He was caught after police found blood in the house which officers traced back to him and arrested him 10 days later.

Speaking to our sister paper the Kentish Gazette shortly after the burglary, Mrs Allen said: “I heard a noise from upstairs and then suddenly this stranger appeared.

“I was angry more than scared and just wanted him out of my house.

“My husband Les is poorly at the moment so I just got hold of this chap and literally bundled him out of the door.

“I dialled 999 and was shouting out to neighbours for help.

“A few gave chase along with some people who had been in the cemetery, which backs onto our house.

“The last thing I saw was him running away with my jewellery falling out of his pockets.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable, Pete Frampton, said: "Kuznecovas didn’t know his victim, he took advantage of what he thought was an open house, he knew it was wrong, and I am pleased he admitted guilt.

"As part of Operation Castle, our campaign against burglary, we are asking people to make sure the doors and windows to their homes and outbuildings are locked and secured, even if you are at home.

"Opportunist burglars are always looking for the chance for an easy steal, so let’s make it difficult for them."