A BURGLAR who was snared after leaving his blood behind at the scene of the crime has been put behind bars.

David Thorpe, 36, broke into an address in George Road, Colchester, in May by smashing a kitchen window.

As he entered he cut himself, leaving drops of blood near the window and on a worktop.

Once inside, he searched the home but did not take anything.

The resident returned home days later and alerted the police.

Thorpe, of Churchill Road, Colchester, was arrested on May 19, and when the blood found at the scene was tested it was identified as being his.

He admitted a charge of burglary and appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, July 18, for sentencing.

The burglar was sentenced to two years imprisonment.

At the same hearing he also admitted three other burglaries - in Wimpole Road between May 11 and 12, Nicholson Grove, Colchester on May 13 and the Co-op in Swan Street, Halstead on April 4 – which were taken into consideration.

Investigating officer PC Rob McWilliams, from Colchester CID, said: “Dean Thorpe broke into the victim’s home, causing damage to their property, and rifling through their personal possessions.

“Due to the evidence against him he was left with no option but to plead guilty.

“I hope he uses his time behind bars to think about the impact his actions have had.”