A burglar found hiding under a bush with items of stolen jewellery from a nearby flat has been jailed for nearly four years.

Adrian Edwards carried out the burglary at a flat in Purbeck Road, Chatham, while his victim was still at home.

The frightened woman saw the door to her flat open and fled from her bedroom to the living room and locked herself in while calling police.

Officers arrived moments later and Edwards was found hiding under a bush in the back garden of the neighbouring property.

The victim called police just after 7pm on Monday, August 26, after hearing footsteps in the unoccupied home above her flat. She was on the phone to police when the door to her flat began to open.

When officers from Kent Police arrived, Edwards was found crouching under a bush of the garden next door. He was found with a black balaclava, black leather gloves, five rings and two watches – the jewellery items confirmed as being stolen in the burglary.

During interview, Edwards claimed he bought the stolen items from a man that had knocked on his door.

Edwards, 38, of Dale Street, Chatham, pleaded guilty to burglary dwelling and theft at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to 45 months imprisonment.

Investigating officer, DC Daniel Bister of Kent Police, said: "This was the ultimate intrusion of a person’s home, which is a place they have every right to feel safe and secure in.

"Edwards entered the property when the victim was at home, frightening her to the point where she felt she had to lock herself in another room while he looked for things to steal.

"I’ve no doubt this would have had a significant impact on the victim, but her actions and quick thinking by calling police straight away, meant we were able to search for the offender and make a swift arrest.

"The sentence reflects the severity of the crime and should go out as a stark warning to burglars; this type of crime simply will not be tolerated and you can expect a substantial time behind bars."