A FATHER-OF-TWO who took part in a ram raid has been given a six-year jail term.

The raid using a stolen digger targeted a Nationwide cash machine in Longfield on August 1.

Drug addict Henry Dunn, of Barnfield Park, South Ash Road, New Ash Green, pleaded guilty to two charges of burglary and one of theft.

At Maidstone Crown Court on September 19, Judge Philip Statman said 26-year-old Dunn had been part of a team of skilled thieves who had got together to commit this and other similar offences.

The judge said he had been told Dunn was a drug addict "desperate to fund your addiction for controlled drugs".

During the raid at Longfield, the gang rammed the cash machine 20 times but failed to steal it or the £53,000 inside it.

They left behind £130,000 worth of damage.

The court heard the woman who lived in a terraced house next door thought her house was going to fall down with her in it.

She had been terrified and had hid in the loft.

Prosecutor Danny Moore told the court Dunn had been an integral part of a ram raid operation which ran from 2006 until last year.

In total £111,000 had been taken and £190,000 of damage had been caused.

The gang was finally arrested after an incident in Maidstone.

Kent police said Dunn's arrest followed an intensive 12-month investigation by its serious organised crime unit.

Detective Sergeant Rob Haines said: "Dunn's appearance at court is a result of a diligent and thorough investigation by the serious and organised crime unit.

"Dunn committed serious offences in his own community, showing no regard for others and putting lives at risk.

"It is fitting that he will now serve a custodial sentence."