Zac Chambers had two important appointments today.

The first was at 1.30am when he was by the side of his partner as she gave birth to their first child.

And eight-and-a-half hours later, the 22-year-old had a second date - with a judge at Canterbury Crown Court.

Chambers, of Cecilia Road, Ramsgate, appeared with brother Joshua, 19, accused of a burglary at The Vale, Broadstairs, in September when jewellery was stolen.

Zac denied the offence, but admitted handling three stolen rings belonging to Frederick Nichol.

His pleas were accepted and the burglary charge was ordered to remain on the file.

Joshua, who lives at the same address, admitted the break-in and asked for 17 more offences to be taken into consideration.

He is also in breach of an 180-day suspended jail sentence, imposed by east Kent magistrates.

Sentence was adjourned for a week for reports – but Joshua was ordered to remain in custody and told to expect an immediate jail sentence.

Claire Cooper, defending, said Zac – who was granted bail for a week – was anxious to get back to be with the new mum.

She said: "His partner gave birth at 1.30am and he came straight from the hospital. It is his first child and he is anxious to return to his partner."

Zac Chambers went straight to Canterbury Crown Court from the hospital

Judge Adele Williams quipped: "Believe me, I am not going to detain him longer than is necessary."

But the judge rejected a request to lift part of the bail restrictions prohibiting contact between the brothers until they are sentenced.