An Edenbridge man, who stole sentimental goods from a pensioner whilst working as a decorator in her home, has been jailed.

28-year-old Stephen Ewens delved through drawers to steal the belongings earlier this year, with the intention of selling the items to fund his drug addiction.

Ewens, of Station Road, was being paid to work at the property in Pine Grove on February 3.

When he was in her home the victim, in her 60s, noticed the contractor stepping outside to make phone calls. Her suspicions were raised after Ewens left, claiming he needed to borrow a tool from a friend.

After checking on her belongings, she then discovered the missing earrings, necklaces and pendants – which were in drawers in her bedroom.

She also discovered that her mobile phone, designer sunglasses and £130 in cash had also been stolen.

Kent Police were called and located the theif in Edenbridge High Street, where he tried to flee.

He was arrested and officers found in his possession three items of the stolen jewellery.He was also carrying used needles and syringes for drug use.

Text messages on Ewens’ mobile phone revealed attempts to sell the stolen items, including one which read: "got a full sovereign on chain and rings, hurry up."

Further enquiries revealed he had sold a gold pendant for £180 to a jeweller in Oxted.

During police interview Ewens admitted he had planned to use any money he could make to travel to Croydon and buy heroin.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court on April 30 Ewens was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment, having previously pleaded guilty to a charge of theft.

Sergeant Nick Finnis said: “Ewens paid no thought to the impact his actions would have on his victim. Indeed, he had no hesitation in stealing from somebody who trusted him and welcomed him into her home.

“I’m pleased that the courts share our view that the best place for him now is behind bars. His arrest was an excellent example of police officers working together and using their local knowledge to stop a criminal from funding his drug habit.”