A BURGLAR stole paramedic uniforms during break-ins at an ambulance station and then wore them on visits to a Kent hospital, a court was told.

When questioned by security staff at Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital, Ricky Knight claimed he was a fully-trained paramedic.

The 21-year-old also burgled Rochester Cathedral several times, as well as St Paul’s with All Saints Church, Chatham, Gillingham Army Cadets and the Territorial Army in Rochester.

Knight’s medical fixation was revealed when he admitted two burglary charges and asked for another 16 to be taken into consideration. He also admitted possessing an offensive weapon.

Martin Yale, prosecuting at Maidstone Crown Court, said Knight broke into the St John ambulance station in Watling Street, Gillingham, in September last year and stole a uniform.

A few days later, he went back and took a paramedic’s protective helmet, along with documents and personal items.

Knight was seen at the hospital several times wearing paramedic dress such as a white T-shirt with a green logo.

“He told security staff he was a fully-trained paramedic,” Mr Yale told the court.

After his arrest, Knight, of no fixed home, handed police a paramedic’s bag containing medical equipment and also clothing taken in the burglaries.

Mr Yale said Knight also admitted going to the St John depot and finding keys to an ambulance. He played with the lights and sirens and started the engine.

He said he wanted to drive it but could not find the key to the gate. He kept the keys intending to return later, but could not get in. He later threw the keys into a river, the court heard.

Alistair Keith, defending, said Knight was ashamed of what he had done. “He is at a crossroads,” he said. “He has a girlfriend and intends to settle down. He wants to clear the slate."

Judge Philip Statman said Knight’s offending was “somewhat unusual”.

Knight was jailed for 15 months for the burglaries, three months for having an offensive weapon and three months for breaching a suspended sentence.

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