A Kent man is being sentenced later with three others at Ipswich Crown Court, after pleading guilty to his part in the theft or attempted theft of 25 cash machines and 10 vehicle thefts across the country.

The men, including 40-year-old George Welford, a construction worker from Hoo in Medway, admitted to the crimes that took place between May 2007 and July last year totalling more than half a million pounds.

Cash machines attacked involved sites in Dover, Tenderden, Rainham and Hawkhurst, but also further afield including Nottingham and Essex.

They were all linked as part of a series investigated by Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

Detective Sergeant Rob Haines from the unit said: "We have carried out an intensive investigation together with our colleagues from other forces in order to bring these men before the courts. In this joint investigation we have established the full extent of damage, chaos and disregard all four men have had in order to satisfy their own relentless greed.

"These men have targeted areas across the country with no thought of the damage they have left in their wake."