A burglar who stole a dead woman’s jewellery has been jailed for two years.

Kevin Ward, 43, of St Albans Close, Gillingham, was jailed on 29 October 2018 at Maidstone Crown Court after pleading guilty to one count of burglary and theft.

The court heard how a police officer saw Ward walking towards his patrol car in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, at 1.35pm on May 28 this year.

Ward was staggering and when he saw the police car he turned and walked away.

The officer followed him and saw him drop a black bag, which was found to contain jewellery, medals and a jewellery box.

Following the discovery of the items Ward was arrested on suspicion of theft.

Earlier that day officers received a report of a house being broken into in Park Avenue, Gillingham, with entry to the house gained by a side door being forced open.

The homeowner had recently passed away and items within Ward’s bag were identified as belonging to her and stolen from the house.

Blood was found on the conservatory door and this was identified as Ward's.

A search was also carried out another address in Rotary Gardens, Gillingham, and the remainder of the stolen items were found.

Ward was charged with the burglary and later admitted the offence.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Daniel Bister said: "Ward targeted this property in order to profit in an attempt to fund his lifestyle and if it wasn’t for the actions of the officer on duty who saw him and followed him he may have gone on to commit further burglaries.

"I hope that this outcome is a good deterrent to others who maybe thinking of committing similar crimes."