A knife-wielding burglar who burst into a flat in a balaclava has been jailed for seven years after a victim recognised his voice.

Oliver Bowles and two others knocked on the front door of the home in Trench Road, Tonbridge, and barged their way in while brandishing large kitchen knives.

Despite his face being partially covered, the 22-year-old's voice and features were recognised by one of the victims, who screamed his name and told him to leave.

The trio then fled after stealing around £290 from a bedroom and some tobacco.

Bowles was arrested at home in Shipbourne Road.

A pouch of tobacco believed to have been stolen during the burglary was seized.

The subsequent investigation discovered Bowles and an accomplice had visited an off-licence shortly after the crime took place, with CCTV footage showing them buying items with a bundle of cash.

Bowles admitted it was him in the footage, but initially denied any involvement in the burglary, which took place at around 8.45pm on January 28, insisting he had been at home at the time.

Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court, he was charged with aggravated burglary and possession of a knife in a public place. He pleaded guilty and was today sentenced to seven years in prison.

DC David Evans, of the Chief Constable's Crime Squad, said: "This was a targeted and planned burglary during which these men subjected their victims to a truly terrifying ordeal.

"Unfortunately for Bowles things clearly didn’t go as intended. He quickly realised one of the victims was known to him and then tried to keep his head down, but by then it was too late.

"Bowles will now serve a significant prison sentence, whilst our investigation to bring to justice others involved in this crime remains ongoing."

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