A man has been sentenced for burglary after an eagle-eyed police officer identified him on CCTV footage - a year after he committed the offence.

Barret Ansari, 31, of Ebbsfleet Road, Cricklewood, stole a handbag from a home in Walm Lane on Sunday July 22, 2012. 

Using CCTV cameras installed at the residence, police were able to get a description and image of the suspect which they circulated to try and identify him.

Nothing came of the investigation, but on July 26, 2013, PC Paul Lockhart was viewing an intelligence briefing when he saw an image of Ansari.

He recognised him as being the same man on the CCTV images from the burglary over a year ago.

Ansari who was in prison at the time, was taken to Kilburn Police Station and interviewed about the offence.

On February 26 this year, Ansari went on trial at Harrow Crown Court but the jury was sent away before the end of the court case and Ansari pleaded guilty to the burglary.

He was subsequently jailed for three years.

Investigating ffficer Detective Constable Lial Sharland said: "We have a number of images in circulation that are constantly being reviewed. This case sends a message out to offenders that if you are committing offences you could be recognised at any time."