A drug addict who cons his way into homes to steal has been jailed for just under three years.

George Bignall was a three-strike burglar, having been locked up twice before for similar crimes, when he carried out the same ruse at a Sittingbourne house.

The 37-year-old went to the home of a mum-of-five in Middletune Avenue late one evening in November and asked for a drink of water.

He then became “erratic, irrational and threatening” asking for money. He was there for up to 15 minutes before the victim gave him £20 to get him to leave.

Afterwards, she discovered her purse was missing, Maidstone Crown Court was told.

Bignall, who has committed 67 offences, returned the next day and became involved in an altercation with the woman’s sister across the road from the house.

During it he accused her of stealing his bracelet and threatened he would “send the boys round”.

He managed to steal a mobile phone.

Bignall, of Unity Street, Sheerness, but formerly of Middletune Avenue, was sentenced to two years and eight months after admitting burglary, theft and harassment while appearing by video link with Elmley Prison.

Sara Haroon, defending, said he committed offences to fund his heroin addiction, which he had used daily since the age of 15.

“He was heavily medicated on the day of the offences and has little recollection of his behaviour,” she said. “He is very sorry. He has engaged in drug courses in prison.”

Judge Jeremy Carey told him: “It is all very well for you to say how sorry you are. They are not here today to hear that.

“It is likely she will not ever forget, nor will her children, the trauma of your arrival and erratic, irrational and threatening behaviour" - Judge Jeremy Carey

“If they were you couldn’t blame them for not taking much notice of it.”

He said of the burglary victim: “Once you entered her home she became highly vulnerable, as did her children.

“It is likely she will not ever forget, nor will her children, the trauma of your arrival and erratic, irrational and threatening behaviour.”

During the second incident he became highly offensive while “acting out this charade”.

The judge added: “These are offences of which you should be thoroughly ashamed but given your appalling criminal conduct I very much doubt whether that is truly the position.”