A Christmas present thief who left his DNA behind at the scene of his crime on a forgotten hat has now been jailed.

Nicholas Rooney claimed he was drunk when he clambered through the bathroom window of a home in Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone last December.

Once inside the 54-year-old stole a number of wrapped gifts including clothing, jewellery and alcohol, and also took a number of bottles of aftershave and perfume, a tablet computer, and other belongings worth a total of around £750.

But a month later Rooney, of Bouverie Road West, was forensically linked to a beanie hat and face covering found in the bathroom sink, leading to his arrest on Friday, January 10.

When searching his home, officers found a small number of the stolen items, which Rooney claimed he did not realise were there.

In his police interview, he said he felt guilty for what he had done and had placed the presents and other possessions in a bin near the victims' home in the hope they would find them.

Rooney later pleaded guilty to burglary and was jailed for four years and 10 months during sentencing at at Canterbury Crown Court.

"I hope he will use his time in prison to reflect on the consequences of his actions..."

Det Insp Nigel Douglas, of Folkestone CID, said: "Burglary is a terrible crime that can have a long-lasting impact on victims, as there are few things worse than knowing someone has entered your home uninvited and helped themselves to your belongings.

"Nicholas Rooney has expressed remorse for his actions and admitted his involvement at the earliest opportunity, although that is no excuse for the upset caused to the couple whose home he violated during his search for any items of value.

"I hope he will use his time in prison to reflect on the consequences of his actions and ensure he does not cause any further harm to innocent members of the public upon his release."

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