A Margate man who stole nearly £20,000 from an ex-partner later won a similar amount on the National Lottery, a court heard.

Mark Wyrill, 55, of Crescent Road, was found guilty of burglary by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court and jailed for 18 months.

But the mean thief hasn't repaid a single penny, despite his windfall.

Judge Simon James told him: "This was a particularly mean offence and a significant breach of trust."

The jury heard how he had been in a relationship with the victim Beverley Lockie who had saved £19,860 for her two sons.

“These were her life savings which she had amassed over many years to provide for her two sons” - Judge Simon James

Prosecutor Neil Ross told how between January and February last year he broke into her home in Grafton Road, Broadstairs and stole the cash.

He said the defendant had been a former partner but had kept a house key even after the relationship had ended.

The judge said the effect on Ms Lockie "was devastating" and left her with feelings of betrayal.

He added: "I am told you won £20,000 on the Lottery and yet you have made no efforts to make repayments to your victim – claiming you have no funds to do so.

"These were her life savings which she had amassed over many years to provide for her two sons."

The judge also banned Wyrill from going anywhere near his victim for the next three years.