A 20-year-old man who stole and wrecked a pensioner's prized vehicle was found hiding in a compost bin.

David Hilden - who was on prison license at the time - drove the silver Suzuki Jimny at speed around the town and smashed into another vehicle after being spotted by police.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how he then dumped the damaged vehicle and hid in a compost bin.

Hilden, of Forstal Lane, Coxheath, boycotted the sentencing hearing refusing to leave his prison cell - although his mother did attend, sitting in the public gallery.

After his arrest in May, he was returned to jail to complete an earlier sentence for burglary after being arrested in May.

Now Judge Adele Williams has given him an 18-month jail term after he admitted burglary, theft and driving dangerously.

She said Hilden had "coveted" his neighbour's vehicle and had broken into the house to steal the car keys when pensioner Alison Relf was out.

Prosecutor Vivian Walters said that earlier Hilden had invited her to go for a walk but she declined the offer and went into town by bus.

She said Hilden then took the opportunity to smash his way inside her property, took the keys and stole £50 in £1 coins.

Ms Walters said Hilden had told his neighbour how he admired the Suzuki and "loved it".

But after stealing it he drove to Square Hill Road where it was spotted by a police officer who told Hilden "Stop! Police."

"Instead, Hilden put it in reverse and struck a VW Golf causing considerable damage before wheel spinning it onto the pavement. He then headed onto Mote Road and through a residential area at speed and driving erratically, " she added

Hilden then hit speeds of up to 60 mph, mounting pavements and turned into Willington Street before abandoning the car and hiding in a compost bin.

He had used some of the stolen coins in a Poundland store to buy cans of spray paint.

Ms Walters added the Suzuki was so badly damaged it was an insurance write-off.

Judge Williams told him: "You burgled a neighbour's home; someone who knew you and you took her vehicle which you had coveted. She was left feeling distressed."

Hilden, who had no licence or insurance to drive,was also banned from driving for three years

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