A crook who burgled a series of homes in Maidstone then splashed the cash has been ordered to pay back more than £11,000

John Wall was sentenced to prison earlier this year after a series of break-ins in Kent, Sussex and London.

Wall, formerly of Southspring, Sidcup stole cash, jewellery and computer tablets in a crime spree between October, 2015 and February, 2016.

The 47-year-old was arrested on 10 February, after a car he was driving was stopped by police in Crayford.

On May 4, he was jailed for three years and four months after pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit burglary. The charge covered six offences, including three in Maidstone.

Following Wall’s sentence officers from the serious economic crime unit found he had benefited from his criminal conduct by £16,674.

At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, held at Maidstone Crown Court on 25 November, Wall was ordered to pay back assets of £11,549 within six weeks.

The money will be paid back to the victims or insurance companies that have incurred a loss. If Wall fails to comply with the order he will have to serve an additional seven months in prison, and still have to pay back the money.

Detective Inspector Annie Clayton, of Kent Police’s Serious Economic Crime Unit said: "This excellent result is another example of how even when an offender has been sentenced we continue to carry out further investigation.

"It is wrong that someone should be able to profit from committing crime, especially burglary offences which not only deprive the victims of valuable and sentimental possessions, but which cause huge distress and anxiety long after the crimes have been committed.

"We will continue to use legislation that is available to us to pursue criminals and seize any cash or assets that we can prove they have obtained through criminal behaviour."