A persistent offender was arrested for burglary after stopping for a drink of squash at the scene of the crime.

Hapless John Stevens stole three cricket balls, a bag and a screw driver from Otham's Rumwood Cricket Club in June.

The 25-year-old claimed to have stumbled upon the ransacked White Horse Lane pavilion while on a late night stroll.

The Highland Road resident said he entered the building through a large hole in the wall and took the items before getting thirsty and making himself a glass of orange squash.

Police attended the scene of the burglary and took swabs from the rim of the glass.

The DNA matched Stevens' and it was quickly established he had no links to the club.

Officers then attended Stevens home and recovered all of the items.

Appearing at Maidstone Magistrates' Court last Thursday the father of one admitted burglary.

Joe Green, for the probation service, told the court Stevens, who is currently subject to a community order and conditional discharge, had made good progress while attending rehabilitation sessions.

He added Stevens no longer struggles with alcohol and has found work.

Mary Winder, chairman of the bench, took the report into account when imposing a £120 fine, £20 victim surcharge and £180 criminal courts charge.

She added the conditional discharge and community order will remain in place.