A bungling burglar beaten back by his victim has been jailed for more than eight years.

James Connors, 43, of no fixed abode, broke into an address in West Drive, Harrow, last year with two other associates before being confronted by the homeowner who fought back when the gang attacked him.

Connors pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary on February 8 and was sentenced to eight years and three months at Harrow Crown Court today.

The court heard how the 50-year-old victim was at home alone on December 1 last year when he heard a bang at 7.20pm.

When he went downstairs to check, he saw a man climbing through a smashed window followed by two other men each carrying a bottle and screwdriver.

The victim was forced onto the sofa before being hit on the head and punched in the jaw.

He fought back and took the screwdriver from his attacker. At this point, the victim’s son, 25, returned home to find his father fighting with the intruders. One suspect attacked him with a tennis racket, hitting his forearm and elbow.

The victim’s son grabbed two knives from the kitchen and all three intruders fled from the address empty-handed in a grey vehicle.

Both men were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service but did not go to hospital.

Police later found blood on a plant pot in the homeowner’s garden where one suspect stood threatening the victim.

Connors was identified and later found to have skipped the UK by car via the Eurotunnel on December 3.

He was traced to Benidorm, arrested and extradited back to the UK on December 21. He was charged on January 10.

The other suspects remain outstanding.

Detective Sergeant Kelly Schonhage, North West Command Unit said: "Connors thought he could flee the country and not face justice, but this case should demonstrate that any form of crime is a priority for us and we will track you down.

“His sentence should reflect how serious this type of offence is taken. We will continue to work together with the community to tackle organised crime."