Two men who burgled a house in broad daylight while the owner was at home have been jailed.

The men had knocked at the door of the house in The Landway, Bearsted on March 27, but the homeowner had not answered thinking it was cold callers.

He then saw the two men making their way to the rear, where they forced entry to an annexe.

Police were called and found Marius Spereatu, 21, of no fixed abode, inside. He had with him a Versace watch, identical to one reported to have been taken.

A second patrol spotted the second suspect, who, on seeing a police car, walked away, but shortly after was found behind a bush and out of breath. Julian Caruntu, 23, also of no fixed abode, was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Both men were charged and pleaded guilty, with Spereatu receiving a sentence of 12 months and Carunti 11 months at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.

Investigating officer, PC Natalie Gillette, said: "These two burglars have been in custody since the day they broke into an innocent man’s home, and within two months of the offence they have been jailed. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home so it is pleasing to see two men who have no respect for that going to prison."