A heartless burglar who preyed on a man with learning difficulties has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Adam Roberts befriended and then robbed his 41-year-old victim, who was living alone in assisted accommodation.

The 23-year-old, of Cornwall Road, Dartford, swiped cash and property from the man and also asked for money he never intended to pay back.

Police say the victim often didn’t report some of the thefts as he failed to understand how or why people he considered to be friends would steal from him.

Roberts pleaded guilty to two charges of burglary, on August 25 and 29, 2010, and was put behind bars on Monday.

Another man will be sentenced in January in connection with the case.

DC Richard Olley, who investigated, said he and other officers were "appalled" by Roberts' actions. He added: "This sentencing ensures that an offender who uses such tactics is locked away from these vulnerable victims."