A burglar who left a young boy severely traumatised was ordered by a judge to listen to a disturbing victim statement from the child’s mother.

The three-year-old would not at first stay at his Maidstone home after John Devall broke in and will no longer play in his bedroom.

Recorder John Bate-Williams told the 34-year-old repeat offender: “I want you to listen very carefully to the victim personal statement made by the mother of the child whose life you have blighted.”

The mum told of the “massive impact” on the family’s lives.

After reading out that the boy would no longer play in his bedroom, Recorder Bate-Williams told Devall: “Do you hear that? That is the result of your burglary.”

Devall, who had been attacked in prison, replied: “I understand now.”

Maidstone Crown Court heard he gained access to the house in Queen Anne Road through a fanlight window left open in the July heatwave.

A neighbour had seen Devall reaching up to the window and at first thought he was from a maintenance company.

He had a drill in his hand and a box at his feet.

Prosecutor Bridget Todd said the witness called police and the mother. She returned to find a TV and laptop missing.

"I want you to listen very carefully to the victim personal statement made by the mother of the child whose life you have blighted" - Recorder John Bate-Williams

One of her children’s presentation boxes was found outside.

Devall, of no fixed address, was arrested after his DNA was found in a smear on a window.

Miss Todd said Devall, who admitted burglary, had 20 previous convictions for 34 offences, including robbery and attempted burglary.

He was on licence when he committed the latest offence.

David Sadeh, defending, said Devall had been released from prison and was sleeping rough and using Class A drugs.

"He is now clean of drug use,” said Mr Sadeh. “The only option is a custodial sentence.”

Recorder Bate-Williams jailed Devall for 18 months, saying it was a "despicable" offence.

Devall said before being led to the cells: “God bless everyone.”

Recorder Bate-Williams responded: “God bless you.”