A police officer who launched his own crimewave after developing a "pathological" gambling addiction has been jailed for seven years.

Zak Owen had an exemplary career with Kent Police for nine years before using his position as a custody sergeant to steal from both prisoners and others.

On one occasion, the 37-year-old detained three young men in their car while armed with his incapacitant spray and stole almost £5,000 from one of them.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that some of Owen's victims were shocked when they discovered he was a real police officer.

Owen, of High Grove Road, Chatham, admitted misconduct in public office, possessing a firearm, false imprisonment two charges of fraud and four of theft.

Telling Owen an "exemplary sentence" was called for, Judge Philip Statman said: "All of your victims have indicated that your conduct has undermined the trust they have in the police. You abused your power as a serving police officer."

Owen was based at Gravesend police station when he committed the offences.