A Maidstone burglar is back behind bars after he was caught stealing a wallet just hours after being released from prison.

Daniel Reed was sentenced to 16 months in jail for a raid on an office in Maidstone, following his release from HMP Elmley this month.

But less than eight hours later he was back in custody after being arrested for stealing a wallet and an iPhone from Morlings Solicitors in King Street.

The 35-year-old was stopped and searched after being seen by Kent Police officers emptying the contents of the wallet in a car park off Albion Place.

During interview Reed, formerly of Quarry Road, claimed to have drunk four cans of strong lager and seven pints of beer following his release from prison, and said he did not remember stealing the items or even being in Maidstone.

He conceded that if he had been charged with the offence then he “must have done it”.

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, having previously pleaded guilty to burglary. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £100.

PC Tim Murrell said: “Reed is a persistent offender who tried to excuse his actions on alcohol. He had barely tasted freedom before he was breaking the law again so we are very pleased to have stopped him in his tracks at the earliest opportunity.

“Hopefully this sentence will send a message that we pursue burglary suspects relentlessly, and that the courts in turn support our efforts.”