A burglar who stole medals belonging to the daughter of a late Second World War veteran has been jailed for 18 months.

Bradley Richmond took the military decorations during a raid Anne and Leonard Hazeldine’s home in Penenden Heath.

He also stole a large stash of jewellery, including the mother-of-two’s wedding and engagement rings, bank cards, a laptop and other valuable items.

The 20-year-old, who was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court last Thursday, was arrested after some of the couple’s belongings, including the treasured medals, were found at a flat in Folkestone where he was staying.

The mother-of-two cried with happiness when she was reunited with the badges of honour which were awarded to her father, James Oliver, for his service with the Royal Horse Artillery.

A gold watch, the laptop and an iPod were also recovered.

When Richmond broke into their home in January, Mrs Hazeldine was collecting one of her four grandchildren from school and her husband was volunteering as a driver for Voluntary Action Maidstone.

They returned to find every room had been ransacked.

Richmond, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the offence and also asked for three other burglaries to be taken into consideration, including break-ins at properties in Penenden Heath Road and Hatherall Road, both in Maidstone, and Birling Road, Snodland.

DC Raj Dusanjh said: “During interview Richmond claimed he was tired of looking for work and had turned to burglary as an easy way to earn some money, which just goes to show how selfish his actions were.

“Burglary is a terrible crime that leaves a long-lasting impact on victims, but Richmond spared no thought for those whose homes he ransacked for his own personal benefit.”

For advice on how to protect your home from burglars, visit www.kent.police.uk