Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court
A burglar who broke into two Sevenoaks town centre restaurants within the space of 30 minutes was quickly tracked down hiding underneath a counter by police.
Stephen Clark targeted a venue in Dorset Street, and Budare in The Shambles, Sevenoaks between 10.30pm and 11pm on Friday 31 May 2024.
He forced the doors at both venues, damaging glass panels, frames, and locks in the process.
Officers attended the scene, where they found Clark hiding behind the counter in Budare.
The 49-year-old was later charged with two counts of burglary and remanded in custody. He appeared at a hearing in Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Monday 3 June, where he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.
Police Sergeant James Page, of the West Division Victim Based Crime Team, said:
‘Clark caused considerable damage to both premises and stole cash from local business owners, causing them inconvenience and placing them under undue financial stress.‘I am thankful to the officers who responded quickly to the initial emergency call and arrested Clark swiftly. It is down to their teamwork that Clark, a repeat offender, didn’t avoid arrest.’