A prolific thief has faced instant justice after he was jailed within 24 hours of being arrested.

Thomas Underdown stole a VW Golf after stealing the car’s keys from a hotel in St Michael’s Road, Maidstone, on Saturday, August 26.

The following day, patrols spotted the 31-year-old behind the wheel in Hermitage Lane and chased him into nearby Tarragon Road, where he abandoned the vehicle and made off.

Once caught, Underdown, of Mote Road, Maidstone, was charged with burglary, theft and failing to stop for police.

He was further charged with two counts of driving whilst disqualified and two counts of driving without insurance.

Underdown appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 28, and after pleading guilty he was given an immediate prison sentence of four months.

PC Libby Ley, of the victim based crime team, said: “Underdown is a prolific thief who appears to have little regard for the impact his offending will have on his victims. Despite previous warnings and chances offered by the courts he seems completely unwilling to change his ways.

‘Justice has been served almost instantly...’

“Criminals like him prey upon hard-working and law-abiding residents, with the aim of stealing anything they can get their hands on, but it is reassuring to see that on this occasion justice has been served almost instantly.

“We remain committed to protecting both residents and businesses from repeat offenders who target their property, and it is also pleasing that in this case we have been able to quickly return the stolen car to its rightful owner.”