A homeless conman has been jailed after he burgled a pensioner's home in Maidstone.

Andrew Cushman appeared at the town's magistrates court last Friday and was sentenced to three years and 11 months in prison.

The 41-year-old conned his way into a woman's house, near Tonbridge Road, shortly before 7pm on Tuesday, April 16.

The victim asked the burglar to leave but he refused. He left with an envelope full of gold jewellery and a woman's purse.

Police found the offender with the stolen goods, sitting on a pavement in nearby Beaumont Road.

A female officer attempted to arrest Cushman but he lashed out and punched her in the face. She suffered bruising to her face and eye.

Other officers helped detain him.

Cushman pleaded guilty to burglary and assaulting a police officer.

Investigating officer, DC Sarah Jacobs said: "Cushman not only stole personal items from the victim, but also assaulted the police officer who identified him.

"Distraction burglaries are very upsetting for the victims and their families, and it is very satisfying to be able to put an offender in prison for a substantial amount of time."