A judge warned Walter Smith he will be jailed at Maidstone Crown Court

by Keith Hunt

A heartless thief who burgled a 92-year-old pensioner has been warned he will be jailed.

Walter Smith went into the Folkestone home of Raymond Haworth on April 23 and stole his wallet, cash and bank cards.

Judge Charles Byers told 27-year-old Smith at Maidstone Crown Court: "This is a mean offence - a 92-year-old man in his own home."

He said he would order a pre-sentence report on Smith, of Naseby Avenue, Folkestone, because of his "home circumstances".

But he added: "I tell you now, this is a case which inevitably is going to attract a custodial sentence in one form or another.

"I will as an act of compassion, which he didn't display to the 92-year-old unfortunate enough to lose his wallet, give him bail until sentence.

"He need not think he is going to get anything other than a custodial sentence. I want him to know that."

Sentence was adjourned until October 12.