Kerry Hollens smashed a window of the York Parade pharmacy with his foot and stole a number of medicines including the sedative diazepam and sleeping pill zopiclone on January 20. He also opened the till, damaging it.
The police reviewed CCTV footage and later found the suspect in an intoxicated state in Whitelake Road with boxes of diazepam.
Hollens told the officers he had overdosed on the drugs, and he was handed over to the care of medical staff.
But he later admitted that he had made up the claims of overdosing in order to get to hospital and have a cigarette.
The 36-year-old, of no fixed address, was charged with burglary and breaching a criminal behaviour order by being under the influence of controlled drugs in a public place.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on March 18.
The Chief Inspector in Tonbridge, Pete Steenhuis, said: “Hollens has a lengthy history of crime and substance abuse.
“It is clear he broke into this premises with the sole intention of stealing quantities of prescription drugs for his own consumption.”
He added: “He is a prolific and repeat offender who poses a substantial risk not only to businesses, but to himself and the wider community.
“Prison is currently the best place for him, where hopefully he can get the necessary treatment and rehabilitation to reduce the chances of him reoffending in the future.”
