A prolific burglar has been jailed after being convicted of a string of break-ins, attempted burglaries and several driving offences.

Gerrard McKenna, 32, admitted four counts of attempted burglary, four counts of burglary, two counts of driving without a licence, and one of failing to surrender to custody.

He had pleaded not guilty to three other counts of burglary and three counts of driving without a licence, but was convicted of the offences after a trial at Medway Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how McKenna, of Mackenzie Way, Gravesend, broke into a garage in Charles Drive, Cuxton, and stole a £270 bicycle.

On another occasion, he broke into a garage in Stanford-Le-Hope, Essex, and stole £50 of copper wire from inside.

Just days later he was caught driving a Ford Connect in Whitehill Lane, Gravesend, without a licence, and on another occasion was caught at the wheel again in the same road, again without a licence.

On another day he broke into an outbuilding in Parrock Street, Gravesend, with the intent to steal, and drove the same car in Sun Lane, Gravesend, without a licence.

Then several months later, he was caught driving without a licence in a Skoda Octavia in Valley Drive, Gravesend, and also attempted to break into Cascades Leisure Centre in Gravesend on two separate occasions with the intent to steal from inside.

On another day he attempted to break into a pharmacy in The Bay, Vigo, and a school in Erskine Road, Meopham, with the intent to steal from inside.

Magistrates also heard he broke into a garage in Barr Road, Gravesend, and stole items including two bikes, camping equipment and golf clubs. It was said these items were valued at £1,600.

McKenna also attempted to break into a garage in Rochester Road, Gravesend, on another day and broke into another garage in Rochester Road with the intent to steal and attempted to break into a garage in Gatwick Road, Gravesend, with the intent to steal.

Magistrates heard he failed to show up at court for his hearing last month and was caught driving a Vauxhall Astra in Wrotham Road, Gravesend, again without a licence.

McKenna was jailed for 12 months, banned from driving for 18 months, and ordered to pay £80 costs.