An outspoken crook revealed to KentOnline how “easy Poundland” locks allured him to raid seaside arcades.

But Robert Barton says he would have avoided Dymchurch New Beach Holiday Park’s amusements had he spotted the CCTV.

The 41-year-old spoke candidly about his exploits moments after a judge rapped him at Canterbury Crown Court.

The father-of-three described his temptation when he noticed cheap, easy-to-smash locks, having snuck through a fire door in the early hours.

“I knew it was quite easy to do as I’ve done it before and I saw that they were just using the Poundland padlocks, but I didn’t actually see the CCTV camera in there, otherwise I wouldn’t have done it,” he said.

Speaking with KentOnline, Barton admitted his criminal intentions after a judge on Tuesday spared him jail for the raid in March last year.

The court heard Barton, who was with an accomplice, damaged games before leaving with a backpack full of coins from the machines’ cash draw.

Prosecutor Martin Yale described how Barton broke into the Hythe Road caravan lodge.

“Just before 4.40am on March, 9, 2023, Mr Barton and another man entered the arcade through a fire door and spent half an hour walking around inside but they didn’t play any games,” he said.

“CCTV footage shows the men approach a basketball game. Mr Barton retrieves a metal tool and tries to pry open the machine.

“He then removes the money tray and tipped the money into his backpack. He goes to two other machines before leaving.”

Barton of Iliffe Street in Walworth, London, was caught after his fingerprints were found at the scene of the crime.

He initially pleaded not guilty to theft and criminal damage and elected for a jury trial, but later admitted the charges.

The prosecution originally claimed the amount stolen was £615 but would later accept his insisting the total sum was between £300 - £400.

Having appeared before the courts on 41 occasions for 70 offences, Barton’s barrister argued he is looking to build a better future for himself.

Mitigating, James Burke said: “There are some signs that he is growing tired of being before the courts and is searching for a way to avoid it in the future.

“He had a difficult start in life, and it would appear that having learnt from the school of hard knocks, that he’s trying to use that experience to find a better life because he doesn’t want the same for his children.”

“Recently, he embarked on a business management course and his plan is to set up by himself in a hot dog van selling mince and tatties, which is a Scottish delicacy.”

Recorder Paul Taylor KC interjected that Barton should not keep using his unfortunate upbringing as an excuse for committing crime, quipping: “And the classic Scottish delicacy is actually neeps and tatties”.

The judge said that he had planned on imposing a suspended sentence, but was swayed by the convict’s mitigation.

“Your sentence is going to be a curfew order for six months, 7am to 7pm, except on Friday when it’s going to be from 9pm,” he said.

“You’re making some good progress at the moment, doing this course so that you can run this little business will be good for your future.

“You really should pay compensation, but your means are limited so I’m not going to impose compensation.”

Reacting to the sentence after the hearing, Barton said he was thankful for the leniency.

“I’m relieved not to go to prison,” said Barton.

“It’s an embarrassing crime to do really - I regretted it even when I did it.”