A man who ransacked a house in Higham and was involved in an Eltham police chase, armed with a knife and driving a stolen car, has been jailed for four years.

Craig Moody, of Middle Park Avenue in Eltham, was pulled over for dangerous driving on June 26, and was later found to be in possession of a kitchen knife.

The 27-year-old's car was found to be linked to a burglary in Chalk Road, which had taken place just three days before.

Map: The scene of the burglary (A), Moody's address (B) and Liddell's address (C).

The victim had nipped out for 25 minutes, and returned home to find her car was missing from the driveway.

During this time, Moody and his accomplice Stephen Liddell, of Ravens Way in Lee, also stole her laptop, jewellery, handbag and purse - before making their escape in their victim's car.

Liddell was also jailed for two years, after he and Moody were linked to CCTV footage from Higham following Moody's arrest.

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Stephen Liddell

The 34-year-old pleaded guilty to burglary at Maidstone Crown Court on March 23.

Moody pleaded guilty to dangerous driving but denied the charges of possessing a knife in a public place and burglary.

However he was found guilty by a jury on April 7, and both men were sentenced last Wednesday (April 13).

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Detective Constable Louise Randall, investigating officer at Kent Police, said: "Moody and Liddell are opportunist criminals.

"They waited for the victim to go out before breaking into the property, rummaging through personal belongings and stealing whatever valuable items they could find.

"They then stole a car to quickly get away from the area.

"Burglary is an invasive crime and I am pleased both men have been given custodial sentences."