A thief has been jailed after admitting stealing a charity box from a bookies in Medway.

John Dillon, 20, stole the box from the Coral betting shop in Chatham High Street.

Dillon, of Cuxton Road, Strood, appeared before magistrates in Medway where he admitted a charge of burglary.

The court heard that Dillon was spotted on CCTV entering the shop with a friend who used the toilet and during this time, Dillon could be seen leaning on the counter.

When a member of staff moved away from the counter, Dillon put his hand under it and grabbed a Macmillan Cancer Research charity box which had £25 in it in £1 coins.

He then put it under his jacket and left the shop with his friend who had just returned from the loo.

When the CCTV footage was viewed by police Dillon was identified and arrested and then charged with the offence.

PC Daniel Kerrigan, said: “Dillon entered the shop on 28 September and saw an opportunity to, by unlawful means, make a quick buck without giving any regard to who the donations were intended for.

“The fact it was a charity card for a cancer charity makes it all the more deplorable. Thanks to the knowledge and experience of our local high street officers, we were able to quickly identify the offender and ensure he was brought to justice.”