by Keith Hunt

A heartless burglar who ransacked a family's home on Christmas Eve has been branded "obnoxious" by a judge.

Brendon Campbell's lawyer also compared the behaviour to Dickens's cold-hearted character Ebenezer Scrooge (posed by actor, left) in A Christmas Carol.

Campbell, of Albany Road, Gillingham, was desperate for money to buy drugs when he forced his way into the house in Bredhurst Road, Gillingham, and ripped open presents.

He stole jewellery, ornaments, a digital camera, computer and £300.

Judge Jeremy Carey, jailing Campbell for three years for his third burglary, said he was disgusted: "The burglary offence, as you now recognise in your sober state, was particularly obnoxious," he said.

"The victims were, no doubt, excited and looking forward to Christmas. You broke in and ruined their Christmas. You must realise just how appalling that must have been."

Louise Oakley, defending, said comparing the burglary to Scrooge was "thoroughly mean".

She added: "He is well aware of the misery he has inflicted on himself and members of the public. If he can break free of crack cocaine, there might just be a chance."