A man was caught with stolen property within two hours of it being taken from a house.

Alan Grimes answered a knock at his door in Fern Walk, Murston, on April 8 2013 and was shoved, causing minor injury.

A watch, phone and jars of coins were taken.

Prosecutor Jonathan Atkinson said it happened at 8am. At about 10am, police went to Lincoln Payne’s home at Ceres Court, Murston, nearby.

He tried to hide but was arrested. The stolen property was recovered.

The 29-year-old schizophrenic was at the time on bail for breaching a restraining order three days earlier, banning him from contact with his ex-girlfriend.

She returned home and found Payne in her house. He refused to leave and she called the police.

Payne, of no fixed address, denied robbery but admitted handling stolen goods.

He also admitted breaching the restraining order.

No evidence was offered on a robbery charge and a burglary charge was left on the court file.

"He appears to think he can suit himself when it comes to breaking the law" - DC Neil Ireland

Payne was jailed for 21 months, but was due to be released having spent about 10 months in custody.

A restraining order to protect his former partner was made for four years.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Neil Ireland, said: "Payne could not offer a good excuse as to why he had a haul of stolen property at the address, nor could he justify harassing his former partner when she had obtained an order through the courts warning him to stay away.

"He appears to think he can suit himself when it comes to breaking the law and his sentence should send a firm message out to those who believe the same: we will do all we can to locate you, arrest you and bring you to justice before the courts."