A burglar who tied up an elderly couple after smashing his way into their home has been locked up for more than 11 years.

James Draper, 36, was forensically linked to tea towels he had used to bind his victims’ hands and feet together, during the incident in Wilmington, in 2015.

At around 10.15pm, on Friday, September 25, the victims, both in their 80s, were in the kitchen of their property in Birchwood Road, when Draper and an accomplice smashed through two windows and a back door to gain entry to their home.

Draper, pictured here, who was armed with a knife, then ordered to pensioners to get on the ground.

The frightened couple were then tied up with tea towels and a pair of tights.

The elderly man’s watch was removed from his wrist and he was then dragged into a separate room away from his wife.

Both offenders left the house in the couple’s vehicle after also stealing cash, jewellery, bank cards and other possessions.

Draper and his partner in crime also tore the pensioner’s telephone from the wall of their home.

The pair managed to somehow free themselves and contacted police after flagging down a passer-by.

Detectives carried out extensive inquiries to identify those responsible and identified both culprits following forensic analysis of the crime scene.

Draper, formerly of Magpie Hall Close, Bromley, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, as did his accomplice, a 17-year-old boy from Dartford, who was jailed last April, for five years and four months, for his part in the crime.

Draper also admitted to a further break-in, which happened at a commercial premise situated off the A20 in Swanley, in June, last year.

During this incident a number of power tools, an Iveco commercial lorry and two BMW vehicles were stolen.

He was sentenced for both offences at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, and was jailed for 11 years and six months. He was also given an extended licence of five years.

Harry Cochrane, 20 and formerly of Leydenhatch Lane, Swanley, also pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and to the theft of a motor vehicle, in relation to the Swanley incident.

He was sentenced at the same time as Draper and was locked up for four-and-a-half years.

DC Rob Hemsley said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the two victims, who were left traumatised to the extent that they now wish to leave their home of more than 40 years.

“Draper displayed scant regard for their welfare and is clearly a dangerous man who belongs behind bars.

“The forensic evidence captured at the scene of the crime was absolutely vital in this case and has resulted in two serious offenders being brought to justice.

“The probability of the DNA on the tea towels belonging to anyone other than Draper was one in one billion, which demonstrates the importance of carrying out such tests.”