A man who stole a kitten on Christmas Day and gave it to his mother as a festive gift has been sent to jail.

James Boyce broke into his mother’s neighbour’s flat in Bovingdon Lane, Colindale, where he threatened the female living there before fleeing with the 10-week-old pet.

The 31-year-old told his mother he had bought ‘Mercy’ from a pet shop in Harrow.

He was found asleep with the stolen kitten beside him at his mother’s home by officers investigating the burglary.

Boyce admitted residential burglary and threatening behaviour at West London Magistrates Court and was jailed for 15 weeks.

Detective Constable Yogini Patel said “Fortunately ‘Mercy’ has not been harmed during her festive ordeal and has been returned to her owner unscathed. We take all reports of burglary very seriously were able to act quickly to identify the culprit in this case.

“Mercy the cat has made a full recovery and is now helping to control smaller local pests in his happy home.”