A prolific burglar who carried out a series of raids at occupied homes told two of his victims "I'm not a nasty person!".

John Schock, of Clare Place, Maidstone, targeted homes in Swanley and Orpington between September and October.

The 33-year-old thief, who has clocked up 94 offences since he was 15 years old, stole cars, meat and clothes destined for the charity shop during the crime spree.

But now, after admitting the offences and being jailed for three years, he told Maidstone Crown Court how he was "sorry" for the offences, which included targeting a pensioner in her 80s at home.

Judge Oliver Saxby KC told him he could apologise but only if he addressed his remarks to the judge and not his victims.

"I want to apologise and I am human," the Maidstone thief said. "I am sorry...but I am not a nasty person and I now regret what I did."

Prosecutor Nicholas Jones told Maidstone Crown Court how on September 17, 2022, the banned driver was spotted in a stolen £2000 Peugeot which he used as he stole £55 worth of meat from a petrol station in Swanley.

'I am sorry... but I am not a nasty person.'

The following month, on October 15, he attempted to burgle a house in Brow Crescent, Orpington, and was caught on CCTV.

Five days later Schock went to a house in Court Crescent, Swanley and was caught on a doorbell camera.

Mr Jones added that on October 26 he broke into a home in Court Crescent where the victim, in her 80s, was asleep but fortunately had an alarm fitted, which was triggered by the burglar as he got inside and a message was sent to a monitoring company who alerted police.

He added: "The first the woman was aware of it was when police turned up and found her front door open."

Mr Joines explained it was only when she saw police in her bedroom she realised her home had been attacked and Schock had escaped with bag destined for a charity shop.

The burglar had also tried to get into another house in the same area on the same night at around 2.20 am.

In the house was a single mother and her two young children who had been shaken by the incident.

She said: "I am scared. I am vulnerable. I feel very unsafe in my own home. Had he got inside I dread to think what might have happened."

The same night, Schock tried to burgle a house where the occupiers were asleep.

They awoke to find the front door open and their car gone and it was later discovered abandoned.

The prosecutor said between October 19 and 22, Schock broke into a house in Goldsel Road, Swanley, stealing £2000 worth of equipment.

A relative of the victim told the judge: "We are angry and tired after this happened. I keep thinking what if?"

Schock, who appeared in the dock in handcuffs and surrounded by security staff, admitted five offences of burglary and attempted burglary, as well as theft, handling stolen goods and twice driving while disqualified.

He was jailed for a total of three years and given a three year driving ban.

In court he claimed he had taken part in the burglaries because of a drug addiction.

Judge Saxby told Schock that after hearing he now wanted to put his life in order and stop offending: "I just hope you are right."

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Celia King, said: "Schock invaded residents’ homes during the hours of darkness while some were asleep in the properties.

"This type of crime can have a significant impact on victims who no longer feel secure in their own homes.

"Fortunately, Schock is known to local officers and once he was recognised on CCTV it was only a matter of time before he was tracked down and brought to justice."