A man accused of two armed burglaries claimed he was just looking for shelter on Christmas Eve.

Polish Jacek Gralak faces two charges of aggravated burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm at properties in Gravesend.

It is alleged the 24-year-old was armed with a knife at the time he forced his way in.

But his lawyer told Maidstone Crown Court that Gralak claims he was attacked and fled to the two addresses in Wrotham Road and Essex Road for help.

Gralak pleaded not guilty to two burglary offences on December 24 last year.

He also denies a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, affray, having a bladed article, and criminal damage on the same date, as well as assaulting a police officer by elbowing him on Christmas Day.

Gralak, of Kent Road, Gravesend, was remanded in custody until his trial in August.

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