Burglar must pay back thousands

A crook who burgled a series of homes in Maidstone before splashing the cash has been ordered to pay back thousands of pounds.

John Wall, formerly of Sidcup, stole cash, jewellery and computer tablets in a crime spree between October 2015 and February 2016.

The 47-year-old was jailed for three years and four months after pleading guilty to conspir- acy to commit burglary.

Following Wall’s sentence officers from the serious economic crime unit found he had spent £16,674 from his ill-gotten gains.

At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, held at Maidstone Crown Court, Wall was ordered to pay back £11,549 within six weeks.

The money will be paid to the victims or insurance companies. If Wall fails to comply he will have to serve an additional seven months, and still have to pay back the money.

DI Annie Clayton said: “It is wrong that someone should be able to profit from crime, especially burglary offences which not only deprive the victims of valuable and sentimental possessions, but which cause huge distress and anxiety long after those crimes have been committed.”