A burglar who fled a home in Larkfield after being disturbed by his victims has been jailed.

Lee Hobden was convicted after his DNA was recovered from a door handle of the Eagle Close house last year.

The 31-year-old, formerly of Cantium Place in Snodland, used a garden spade to force open a patio door of the house on November 3, 2015. As he was searching for items to steal he was interrupted by the residents as they returned home.

After fleeing the property, with possessions including watches and cash, jewellery Hobden had also stolen was later found in the garden.

During a police search of the home a crime scene investigator swabbed for forensic evidence.

Hobden was later identified as the offender through his DNA and arrested on January 29, but refused to comment during police interview.

He pleaded guilty to burglary at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Det Con Andrew Julier said: "The victims arrived home to discover Hobden and an accomplice still inside their property. They both managed to run from the scene, but I’m pleased that now we have at least been able to bring one of these men to justice."