A burglar who pretended he had wanted a glass of water when instead he had stolen multiple items from a home has been jailed.

Sean McFetridge had gone into the house in East Farleigh, near Maidstone, after seeing the door was open.

The 41-year-old was confronted by an occupant who had been upstairs but said he was looking for a glass of water as he was thirsty.

However, they soon found a laptop computer had been stolen along with jewellery and keys.

Police were contacted and Kent Crime Squad officers recovered McFetridge’s fingerprints from a socket the laptop had been plugged into whilst charging.

He was arrested on September 7 last year, three days after the raid and was charged.

McFetridge, of Lasius Drive, Coxheath, admitted burglary and was sentenced on Thursday, May 16 to three years' imprisonment. This included the activation of a suspended sentence.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Josh Littley, said: “Burglary is a despicable crime that leaves victims feeling violated and unsafe in their own home.

“This offender thought nothing of the impact of his crime and cared only about making a quick profit from stealing portable items.

“A prompt investigation and forensic examination ensured this man was arrested within a few days and is now starting a prison sentence.”