Kent Police have issued a mugshot of a burglar who broke into a pensioner’s bedroom and put his hands over her mouth to stop her screaming.

James Parsons also threatened to smash the woman’s head against a wall after he was disturbed inside her home in Mansfield Road, Hextable last year.

We reported the case earlier this week, but today the constabulary issued his photo and described the woman's ordeal as 'truly terrifying'.

Parsons, 33, formerly of Lullingstone Avenue, Swanley, got in through an insecure door in the early hours of December 21.

He went into the victim’s bedroom and threatened her when she started to scream. When he covered her mouth the victim bit his hand and then kneed him in the groin.

Her son then entered the room and grappled with Parsons as the victim called police.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Parsons was sentenced to five years in prison after admitting burglary and a separate charge of theft.

Detective Constable Jerry Chapman said: "This was a truly terrifying ordeal for the victim who awoke to find Parsons inside her bedroom.

"She did the right thing by screaming and raising the alarm and thankfully we were able to match Parson’s DNA to a small blood spot detected on one of the fingers of the relative.

"People affected by burglary crime are often still dealing with the consequences a long time after the offence has been committed.

"I do hope in this instance the sentence will at least provide some comfort to the victim."