The mastermind behind the biggest burglary in English history has been jailed.

Dartford pensioner Brian Reader, said to be the ringleader of the gang responsible for the£14m Hatton Garden raid, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court today where he was sent to prison for six years and three months.

His gang stole gold and cash from London's famous jewellery quarter at the centre of the UK diamond trade last Easter.

His accomplices were sentenced earlier this month but Reader's sentencing was delayed as he was in Belmarsh Prison's hospital wing.

It was revealed the 77-year-old may only have months to live after suffering a stroke.

Reader is thought to have received treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and footage of him being escorted by an armed guard was broadcast by Sky News.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary last September, alongside his accomplices John Collins, 75, Daniel Jones, 61, and Terry Perkins, 67.

Collins, Jones and Perkins were jailed for seven years each for conspiracy to commit burglary

Two others, Carl Wood, 59, and William Lincoln, 60, were convicted of conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to conceal, convert or transfer criminal property, after a trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

Wood was given six years in prison and Lincoln seven.

A seventh man, Hugh Doyle, 49, received a suspended sentence after he was found guilty of concealing, converting or transferring criminal property.