A repeat offender is facing a jail sentence for the burglary of a house in Yalding that had been evacuated because of flooding.

Max Harvey, from Maidstone, admitted breaking into the home in Benover Road on March 6 and stealing jewellery and other property.

Maidstone Crown Court today heard the 29-year-old father had 40 previous convictions for 69 offences, including burglaries and drug offences.

James Ross, defending, said Harvey had not offended in the past two years and had been drug-free, but committed the latest crime after a relapse.

Mr Ross asked for pre-sentence reports with consideration being given to a drug rehabilitation requirement.

But Judge Charles Macdonald QC refused both requests, saying: "Custody is inevitable."

Harvey, of Oxford Gardens, Hayle Road, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced after the trial on June 11 of co-accused Stuart Taylor, 25, of Wrangelden Road, Yalding.