A burglar has been sentenced to three years in prison after breaking into an elderly couple’s home in Maidstone.

The house in Bower Street had been left empty after the couple had moved in to live with their children.

The break-in was discovered by the family on May 6 this year, when they returned after two weeks to check on the building.

They found items strewn across the floor, including a torch that appeared to have been left at the scene by the offender.

A DNA profile was obtained and the culprit was identified as 46-year-old Shane Doyle, from nearby Callisto Court. When he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court, Doyle was convicted of burglary and sentenced to three years in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Neil Buckle said: “Burglary is a cruel crime, which often leaves victims feeling upset and violated.”