A Romanian hairdresser broke into a supermarket cash dispenser and stole more than £16,000, a court heard.

Madalin-Petru Costea was arrested after his blood was found on the damaged ATM at Tesco in The Parade, Meopham.

24 hours before the theft in the early hours of June 27 this year, CCTV cameras above the machine were sprayed with paint by a man dressed in black with his face hidden, Maidstone Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Simon Taylor said the act had demonstrated a high degree of planning. Damage to the ATM cost £2,500 to repair.

Costea, of Elms Gardens, Wembley, north west London, admitted stealing £16,010, none of which has been recovered.

The 23-year-old, from Bacau, was jailed for two years. He will be deported at the end of his sentence.

Judge Adele Williams was told that since Costea arrived in the UK in 2015 he had been convicted of shoplifting and common assault.

“This was a sophisticated assault on this cashpoint machine,” said the judge. “Security cameras were sprayed with paint to disable it.”

A proceeds of crime hearing will be held at a future date.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Lucy Macland said: "This was clearly a pre-planned offence with a high value target.

"Thanks to the work of our forensics officers Costea will face the consequences of his actions, and steps will be taken to recover the money stolen."