A burglar who drove off in his victim's car after stealing a handbag from her home has been jailed for more than two years.

Darren Taylor, 32, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, broke into the house in Moncktons Avenue, Maidstone, in the early hours of July 17.

A neighbour saw them driving off in the car and woke the victim, who was still asleep upstairs.

The two offenders were later seen on CCTV using the victim's bank card to buy cigarettes and alcohol at Chatham Road Services in Maidstone. They were identified by police officers and arrested.

Taylor, of Dickens Avenue, Maidstone, admitted burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, fraud and driving with no insurance when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

He was sentenced 26 months in prison and disqualified from driving for 35 months.

The boy, of Tunbridge Wells, was given a 12-month youth referral order after admitting burglary, fraud and aggravated vehicle taking.

DC Billie-Louise Keane said: "Taylor targeted his victim's house in the early hours of the morning when she was asleep upstairs with her family.

"Burglaries have a big impact on victims who can be left feeling unsafe in their own home. Further expense and inconvenience is added when cars are stolen.

"We are pleased to have taken Taylor off the streets and we will work hard to bring all burglars to justice."

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