A man will spend six months in prison after being found guilty of Dartford burglary.

Terry Keane, 26, of Woolwich Road, Bexleyheath, appeared at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court on July 15 where he was found guilty of breaking into a house in Dartford in April.

He was also convicted of being a passenger in a car which was taken without the owner’s consent.

On April 22 Keane and Scott Francis - who was sentenced in June - travelled to Brentlands Drive in the Toyota Corolla, which had been reported stolen from Bexleyheath on April 16.

They broke into a house at 12.20pm and stole a number of items, including hair straighteners and clothing.

Witnesses called police and officers tracked the car to a nearby petrol station, where Francis had filled up with £59 of fuel just prior to the burglary before making off without paying.

Metropolitan Police officers later spotted the vehicle in Roberts Street, Plumstead and pursued it. The car was located abandoned in Walmer Terrace - just metres from Francis’s home address.

DC Mark Donovan, investigating officer, said: “Officers immediately started making enquiries when the incident was reported to them.

“The car was found abandoned in Plumstead and Keane, who matched the description of the passenger, was found nearby and out of breath. He was subsequently arrested on April 22 and charged the next day.’

Keane appeared before magistrates and was sentenced to 180 days in prison.

DC Donovan said: “Kent Police does not tolerate the behaviour of those who think it is acceptable to break into other people’s homes and steal from them.

“I hope this result sends a strong message to people who think they can get away with committing crime – detectives are dedicated to identifying suspects and bringing offenders before the courts.”

Francis, 30, of Woolwich was sentenced on June 2 at Canterbury Magistrate’s court. He was given eight months for breaking into a house and driving a car knowing it had been taken without the owner’s consent.

He was also convicted off making off without payment and driving while disqualified.