A Folkestone man has been praised after using a unique method to nab a burglar caught red-handed raiding his home - making him appear in his own "wanted" picture.

Toby Yerburgh had bravely tackled the intruder, who broke into his home in Radnor Cliff in February and threatened to stab him.

Thief Derek Mulvaney then pleaded with the householder to be freed and Mr Yerburgh agreed - as long as he posed for a photograph first.

A judge heard that after being snapped, the 51-year-old burglar left empty-handed and the incriminating picture was handed to police.

Mulvaney, formerly of Tudor Road, was recognised immediately by officers, as he had a 75-offence long list of previous convictions.

Now, the hapless thief – described as a “prolific and professional burglar” – has been jailed for four years at Canterbury Crown Court after admitting the break-in.

Judge Simon James praised Mr Yerburgh, who was injured in the attack, for showing “considerable restraint” after hearing how he returned to his home at 8.15pm.

The court heard how the family dog went upstairs and began barking, and as Mr Yerburgh followed, he was barged by Mulvaney.

Prosecutor Charlotte Hole told how Mr Yerburgh was hurt in the attack and Mulvaney, who initially claimed he hadn’t stolen anything but then returned several items, suffered a bloody nose.

During the attack, Mulvaney threatened to stab the householder unless he was allowed to leave.

It was then that Mr Yerburgh convinced the raider to pose for a picture in exchange for his freedom. He managed to dodge the first snap but was caught on camera on the second attempt, she told the court.

Judge James added: “Over the years you have amassed 75 previous convictions, including at least 17 of them involving you breaking into other people’s homes.

“You are a professional and prolific burglar. On this occasion you were disturbed while in the premises and what followed was a violent struggle in which the householder was injured by you.

“In fact, Mr Yerburgh should be commended for the considerable restraint he showed – given the fact he and his wife were confronted by a stranger in their own home.”

After the hearing, investigating officer PC Richard Glass said: "While Derek Mulvaney was previously unknown to us, we have since established he has a lengthy criminal record for other offences of burglary and theft committed outside of Kent.

"He pleaded to be let go when caught red-handed by the victim in this case, who understandably did not want Mulvaney inside his home any longer than necessary.

"Instead he had the foresight to take a photograph of him, which led to Mulvaney’s arrest.

"Burglary is a terrible crime that has a long-lasting impact on victims and I am glad the judge acknowledged the seriousness of Mulvaney’s offending in sentencing him to four years in prison."