A burglar who pretended he had wanted a glass of water when instead he had stolen multiple items from a home has been jailed.
Sean McFetridge had gone into the house in East Farleigh, near Maidstone, after seeing the door was open.
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The 41-year-old was confronted by an occupant who had been upstairs but said he was looking for a glass of water as he was thirsty.
However, they soon found a laptop computer had been stolen along with jewellery and keys.
Police were contacted and Kent Crime Squad officers recovered McFetridge’s fingerprints from a socket the laptop had been plugged into whilst charging.
He was arrested on September 7 last year, three days after the raid and was charged.
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McFetridge, of Lasius Drive, Coxheath, admitted burglary and was sentenced on Thursday, May 16 to three years' imprisonment. This included the activation of a suspended sentence.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Josh Littley, said: “Burglary is a despicable crime that leaves victims feeling violated and unsafe in their own home.
“This offender thought nothing of the impact of his crime and cared only about making a quick profit from stealing portable items.
“A prompt investigation and forensic examination ensured this man was arrested within a few days and is now starting a prison sentence.”