A thief used his thirsty dog as cover to steal a kind-hearted man’s wallet from his home.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how Daniel Broadwell had gone to the house in Artillery Gardens, Canterbury, in August.

Broadwell - who was on prison licence for a previous offence - told the owner he had been in a car accident and asked if his dog could have some water.

As the victim went into the kitchen, the dog went into a bedroom, followed by Broadwell.

He went in after the animal and swiped a wallet - containing cash and cards - from the bedside table as he ushered it out.

Broadwell went to the kitchen where the dog was watered, thanked the victim and left.

The man went into the bedroom to ensure the pet had not left a mess - only to discover his wallet missing. Within minutes of the theft, Broadwell had twice used the stolen credit card.

The 36-year-old from Herne Bay had used them at local stores before the victim was able to block them and taken the money.

Broadwell admitted burglary and fraud, and was jailed for three years.

Judge Catherine Brown told him: “You went to this property, told a lie and then took advantage of the good nature of the homeowner, all while on prison licence after being released after serving part of a previous sentence.”

Investigating officer DC Peter Emanuel said: "Broadwell took advantage of his victim’s good nature. Distraction thieves like him use various techniques to prey on people and residents are urged not to be afraid of turning callers away regardless of their reason for knocking on the door.

"He showed no remorse for what he’d done and wasted no time in spending his victim’s money in the local shops, oblivious to the fact he might be caught on camera along the way.

"Thankfully he’s now in prison where residents will be safe from his tricks."