A prolific criminal, who has racked up 35 convictions in 19 years, has been jailed after stealing from the home of someone he knew.

Ricky Arnold, 31, of no fixed address broke into the property in Sturla Road, Chatham, on February 27 and stole a video game console, two controllers and a game.

He was spotted climbing into the dining room window of the house shortly after 4pm, and then again carrying a bag of items in the back garden before jumping over the fence.

Arnold knew his victim through a friend of a relative, and they had socialised together several days earlier.

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, August 20, after being found guilty of one count of burglary.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Michael Champion said: "Ricky Arnold is a prolific offender with an appalling record of criminality, amassing 35 convictions for 71 offences since 1996.

"He does not care who his crimes affect and will routinely target people he knows, as this most recent offence shows.

"Arnold has no source of income and will resort to any theft-related offences in order to buy food and drugs, and has no respect for the courts or bail system. Prison is clearly the best place for him."

Arnold has been sentenced to three years in prison.