The residents had never met him before and one of the victims – a man in his 80s – fell to the floor during a struggle with Morris, who then kicked his head twice. Morris also demanded money from a woman in her 90s who was present, before stealing a purse and leaving the scene.

Officers swiftly attended and the victim was treated for facial injuries. Following an examination of CCTV footage in the area, Morris was identified by local officers and arrested on the following day. Morris, of no fixed address, was later charged with robbery. He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Friday 30 June the 48-year-old was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment with an additional four years on licence when he is released.

PC Ashleigh Fell, of Maidstone CID, said: ‘Morris targeted two vulnerable pensioners thinking he could steal their cash without fear of arrest. In fact an elderly victim resisted him when he forced his way in and, on running from the address, he was caught on CCTV.

‘Local officers were quick to recognise him on the footage and following a prompt arrest this violent man has quite rightly been brought to justice.’