A man who stole a BMW after breaking into a home and stealing the keys has been jailed for five years.

Danny Tony Simpson, aged 26, was one of two men who broke into a house in Astra Drive, Gravesend, and stole the keys to a BMW worth £40,000.

Swift detective work resulted in Simpson being arrested within hours of the offence which occurred on June 22. Police also recovered the car shortly after.

Despite his not guilty plea, the jury heard how forensic evidence taken from the steering wheel of the car linked Simpson to the vehicle. CCTV was also viewed showing a suspect wearing the same clothing that Simpson had on at the time of his arrest.

Simpson, of Barrington Road, Bexleyheath, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court after he was found guilty of one count of burglary and one count of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

A second man was also arrested. Colin Jack Wilkins, 25, of Downe Close, Welling, has admitted his part in the burglary and taking the vehicle. He will be sentenced by the court at a later date.

The officer in charge of the case, DC Robin Hemsley said: “Simpson was located in the Woolwich area just hours after the crime had been committed. Despite concocting an elaborate story to absolve him of blame, the jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict and I am satisfied with the sentence issued.”