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Medway burglars jailed after stealing Rolex watch and cash from a house on Sheppey

Two burglars have been jailed after stolen items were recovered in a car stopped by police in Sheerness.

Joshua James-Smith, 24, of High Street, Chatham, and Jacob Winnett, 27, of Canterbury Street, Gillingham, were both sent to prison at Maidstone Crown Court after pleading guilty to burgling a home in Halfway Road, Halfway.

Jailed: Halfway burglar Jacob Winnett from Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police
Jailed: Halfway burglar Jacob Winnett from Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police

Winnett, who also admitted an unrelated charge of perverting the course of justice, was jailed for one year and eight months.

James-Smith, who also admitted an additional burglary in Swanscombe, was sentenced to one year.

Both men were arrested around 40 minutes after the Sheerness burglary which happened on February 21.

Police were initially called to a report that two men had been acting suspiciously near the house before disappearing down an alleyway.

They were later spotted driving away in an Audi.

Jailed: Halfway burglar Joshua James-Smith from Chatham. Picture: Kent Police
Jailed: Halfway burglar Joshua James-Smith from Chatham. Picture: Kent Police

When officers stopped the vehicle, which was being driven by James-Smith, on the A249, Winnett jumped out from the passenger side and ran across the carriageway in an attempt to escape.

But police caught up with him after a two-mile chase on foot.

Officers found a Rolex watch in the back of the car and a large quantity of cash hidden on Winnett. Both items had been reported stolen from the earlier break-in.

Police later searched Winnett’s home and discovered a drone and designer trainers which had been reported stolen during a burglary on January 28 in Bailey Drive, Swanscombe. James-Smith was identified as the Swanscombe burglar after being photographed jumping over a back fence.

Winnett was charged with perverting the course of justice after providing false documents for an unrelated court case.

Investigating officer PC Colin Cherry said: "The invasion of privacy that a person feels knowing their home has been burgled must not be taken lightly and we work hard to ensure those responsible for such crimes are caught and appropriately charged."

Read more: Latest news from the Isle of Sheppey here.

Read more: Latest news from Medway here.

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