A burglar who broke into a house and stole a car before crashing it into a police patrol has been jailed.

At 3.30am on October 10 William Lee went to a house in Quarry Rise, Tonbridge, where he entered through a rear door and took a handbag containing cash and a set of car keys.

He then stole the homeowner's Vauxhall Vectra in spite of the efforts of the owner to open the car door and stop him.

The victim notified the police of the incident and the details of the stolen car were circulated to patrols.

Lee travelled to Mottingham in London where he stopped at 4.40am to get fuel using some of the burglary victim’s money.

On leaving the petrol station, he was spotted by a Metropolitan Police patrol and the officers indicated for him to stop.

Lee accelerated away before attempting to turn around. As he manoeuvred he collided with one of the police vehicles and then tried to run from the scene.

He was arrested and later charged with burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, 41-year-old Lee of Alexandra Close, Swanley pleaded guilty to all the offences.

He was sentenced to a total of two years in prison. He will also be disqualified from driving for three years and 337 days.

Detective sergeant David Higham said: "Lee found himself in Tonbridge without transport and chose to steal a car.

"Our officers were quick to broadcast the details of the stolen car and we are grateful for the efforts of our Metropolitan Police colleagues in making the arrest.

"The residents of west Kent will be spared his criminal activities while he serves his prison sentence."