A prolific burglar went on the run from police, because he thought he was too old for jail, was arrested while making his way to Maidstone .

Dad-of-five Danny O'Loughlin had received an 11-year prison term after taking part in heists in four counties.

He was released three years ago but was later told he was being recalled to prison after an allegation of theft.

O'Loughlin, who has links to Gravesend and has 39 previous convictions, went on the run instead, because he thought it was "unfair" for him to return to to complete his sentence.

At the time, police in Gloucestershire offered a £1,000 reward for any information which led to his arrest.

The 44-year-old has told a judge at Maidstone Crown Court that he is now "a changed man" and is "too old" for jail.

He was a member of a gang of burglars who netted a £30m haul of antiques and fine art from Wiltshire mansion and also raided properties belonging to a Formula 1 businessman Paddy McNally and the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire.

O'Loughlin, also known as Johnson, was one of five men locked up - including an uncle and two cousins - for conspiracy to burgle.

He was eventually released from prison in December 2017 but then notified in February last year that he was to be recalled on licence following an allegation of van theft.

But, he refused to give himself up, working in construction instead and was travelling to a building job in Maidstone when he was finally stopped and arrested during a random police stop at the M25 Clacket Lane Services on June 18 this year.

His barrister Kerry Waitt told the court: "Early last year he was notified he was to be recalled because it had been reported he was involved in the theft of a van.

"But no proceedings arose from that and he took the view that the recall was unfair and so decided not to surrender.

"But this was not someone escaping or avoiding custody to commit more offences. He supported himself by working.

"Since his arrest, he has found his time in prison very difficult. He feels he is too old and has spent too much of his life there."

O'Loughlin, formerly of of Waterloo Street, Cheltenham, admitted remaining unlawfully at large, as well as an unrelated charge of threatening behaviour committed in July 2018.

He was jailed for a total of four-and-a-half months.

Appearing in court via a prison video link he told the judge, Recorder Nicola Howard QC: "I was 28 when the offences were committed and I'm 44 now. A lot has changed."

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