A burglar who jumped out of his car, ran across carriageways on the M20 and then hid in a bush in a bid to avoid police after raids on two homes near Maidstone, has been jailed.

Patrols were called to Boxley Close, Penenden Heath at around 2pm on Friday, January 5 after 22-year-old Alfie Doran was spotted acting suspiciously near a house.

Officers attended the area and found a blue Ford Focus parked with the engine running. On seeing patrols arriving, Doran of New Park Road, Hockley, Essex jumped from the driver’s seat and ran off across the carriageways of the nearby motorway.

After a brief search Doran was found hiding in a bush next to the motorway.

Checks were made on the Ford Focus and it was discovered it had been stolen during a burglary in Wickford, Essex on Thursday, December 28.

Doran was arrested and when the car was searched, property including cash, jewellery and a games console was found inside.

These were later found to have been stolen during a burglary in Boxley Close. Further stolen items were found on the ground near the car.

Once back at the police station, officers found a broken leg from a jewellery box in Doran’s pocket that was traced to the scene of a second burglary in the same area.

Doran denied any wrong doing.

He was charged with the two Maidstone burglaries, receiving stolen goods, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Doran pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to two years and four months in prison.

Chief inspector Mick Gardner said: "Doran is a prolific offender and committed two burglaries in a short space of time with a view to travelling back to Essex with his ill-gotten gains.

"He showed no regard for the victims who returned to their homes to find doors forced open, rooms ransacked and precious possessions stolen.

"A spell in prison will offer some protection to the residents of Maidstone and allow him to reflect on his conduct."