A burglar who stole computer tablets, phones and a bank card from a home while the occupants were sleeping has been jailed.

Michael Williams targeted an address near Watling Street in Gillingham and gained unlawful entry to the property.

The 44-year-old also stole wallets, bank cards and a handbag before leaving the scene in the early hours of May 31.

When the victims discovered they had been burgled the police were alerted and an investigation launched.

Officers examined CCTV footage and recovered images of Williams in the area after the break-in.

He was seen to place the stolen handbag in a bin and also returning home in possession of the victims’ phone and a laptop computer.

Further inquiries identified Williams tried unsuccessfully to withdraw £250 from a cash machine using one of the stolen bank cards.

"Burglary is an appalling crime that can leave victims feeling violated and unsafe in their own home..."

Williams, of Napier Road, Gillingham was identified by local officers who viewed the footage, and was arrested on 1 June.

A camcorder that had been stolen in the break-in was recovered at the rear of his home address and he was charged with burglary and fraud.

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday and was jailed for four years and seven months.

The sentence included one year and three months for breaching a suspended sentence and Williams will have to serve half the jail term before being considered for release on licence.

DC Dan Bister, of the Chief Constable’s crime squad, said: "Williams is a prolific offender who disgracefully crept into a property while the occupants were asleep.

"Burglary is an appalling crime that can leave victims feeling violated and unsafe in their own home.

"Williams should be ashamed of his actions and I hope his victims can begin to move on now that he is behind bars."