Police chasing three burglars who had raided a shop in Tankerton were involved in a 100mph pursuit up the M2.

The chase only ended when the thieves’ stolen BMW left the motorway at the Medway exit and ended up badly damaged in the central reservation.

Earlier on the night on April 2 two of them had burgled a house in Essex and stolen the BMW.

All three then drove to Birchington where they kicked out the glass door panel at Somerfield supermarket and stole bottles of spirits before driving to a garage where they used a similar method to break in but stole nothing.

They then forced their way into the Spar Shop at Tankerton Road, Tankerton, and stole cigarettes.

By this time the police had been passed details of the stolen car and it was seen by a patrol at Brenley Corner and a chase ensued.

Police arrested the driver John Falzon, 19, of Lowen Road, Rainham, Essex, Darren Foreman, 23, of Hainault Road, Romford, and a 16-year-old also from Romford.

All admitted the Tankerton and Thanet burglaries.

Falcon and Foreman admitted the Hornchurch burglary and Falzon further admitted driving while disqualified and another domestic burglary in Romford. All admitted aggravated vehicle taking.

Foreman was sentenced to 18 months and Falzon to 12 months youth custody. Both were banned for two years.

The youth was given an 18 month intensive supervision and surveillance order with a three month curfew plus a 12 month ban when they appeared at Canterbury Crown Court.

Louis French, for Falzon, said drugs had controlled his life. While in prison he had taken various courses and wanted to turn his life around.

Simon Stirling, for Foreman, said he had a long history of bad behaviour. He was now determined to be more productive member of society and acknowled and regretted his behaviour.

Aisha Khan, for the youth, conceded he also had a bad record but this had been a wake up call and he had made use of his time in custody taking various courses.