A burglar who posed as a salesman has been locked up.

George Bignall, 35, formerly of Unity Street, Sheerness, targeted two homes in separate incidents earlier this year.

On Friday, February 28, he called at an address in Glenbrook Grove, Sittingbourne.

When the occupant answered the door, he asked if she would like to “buy or sell anything”.

When she turned around to check on her two young children, Bignall – who she noticed was wearing latex gloves – had entered the house and closed the door behind him.

He then asked if he could use the bathroom, which she allowed him to do because she didn’t want to make a scene in front of her children.

After leaving the bathroom, Bignall again asked the woman if she would like to sell him anything or exchange any items for cannabis, which she declined.

He eventually left the property after being given £5 by his victim, who later discovered Bignall had stolen perfume and hair conditioner from the bathroom.

The second offence took place in Invicta Road, Sheerness, at about 9.10pm on Friday, March 14 when Bignall entered a property through the back door while the occupants and their two children were home.

When confronted by one of the adults, Bignall claimed he was being beaten up before turning around and leaving.

He was later picked out in an identity parade, and despite denying both offences, was convicted of two counts of burglary.

Bignall was jailed for three years at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigating officer Det Con Alasdair Murray said: “Although it is very rare for a burglar to enter a property while its occupants are home, such offences clearly have a devastating impact on those affected.

“I am very pleased with the sentence imposed on George Bignall and hope those whose lives he disrupted with his brazen actions can take some comfort knowing he is now behind bars.”