A DARTFORD man has been jailed after pawning thousands of pounds' worth of jewellery stolen from a house.

On November 9 a Darenth Road resident discovered her patio doors were smashed and her home had been ransacked.

A large quantity of jewellery had been stolen.

Police officers later seized a 22-carat gold anklet, two brooches and earrings traded in at a Dartford pawnbrokers on November 11.

Enquiries revealed Przemyslaw Zawila, aged 30, of Savoy Road, had pawned the jewellery and other objects, thought to be worth around £2,000.

Zawila was arrested on November 15 and appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on December 10.

He was given a year-long jail sentence after pleading guilty to handling stolen goods.

Investigating officer Det Con Bill Looker, of Kent Police, said: "Zawila was known to us through having handled stolen goods in the past, so when we were made aware he was pawning high-value items, we acted immediately.

"I welcome the news he will be spending Christmas in prison and hope he uses this time to think about his appalling behaviour.

"The victim who lost her jewellery was left devastated and Zawila profited from her misery.

"Officers throughout the force continue to crack down on burglary and theft as part of Operation Castle, but those who handle  and receive stolen goods shouldn't feel left out - we are coming after you too."