A Swanley burglar has been handed a two-year prison sentence and banned from driving for nearly four years for crashing a stolen car.

At 3.30am on October 10, William Lee went to a house in Tonbridge, where he entered through a rear door and took a handbag containing cash and a set of car keys.

He then stole the homeowner's Vauxhall Vectra in spite of the efforts of the owner to open the car door and stop him.

The victim then called the police and the details of the stolen car were circulated to patrols.

Lee travelled to Mottingham where he stopped at 4.40am to get fuel using some of the burglary victim’s money.

On leaving the petrol station, he was spotted by a Met Police patrol and the officers indicated for him to stop.

Lee accelerated away before attempting to turn around. As he turned he collided with one of the police vehicles and then tried to run from the scene.

He was arrested and later charged with burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

The 41-year-old, of Alexandra Close, Swanley, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on December 12 where he pleaded guilty to all charges.

Detective Sergeant David Higham, of Kent Police, said: "Lee found himself in Tonbridge without transport and chose to steal a car.

"Our officers were quick to broadcast the details of the stolen car and we are grateful for the efforts of our Metropolitan Police colleagues in making the arrest.

"The residents of west Kent will be spared his criminal activities while he serves his prison sentence."