A man who was linked to a burglary in Halstead after he injured himself while carrying out the crime has been sentenced.

Christopher Raymond, 56, of no fixed address, received nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months, today, Thursday, March 15, after pleading guilty to burglary at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 1.

He was also ordered to a complete a six month drug rehabilitation requirement and 40 days of rehabilitation activity requirement, was given a five-year restraining order and has been ordered to complete 60 hours unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £8,996 and court costs of £320.

On Monday, December 4, Raymond entered a property in Colchester Road, Halstead, while the victim was at work before leaving with jewellery worth thousands of pounds, a vacuum cleaner, a car key and a Christmas cake.

The victim discovered she had been burgled and found blood on her stairway before calling police.

Forensics linked the blood to Raymond, who was arrested in Church Street, Bocking on Sunday, December 17, and charged.

Investigating officer Pc Joanna Lewis, of Braintree CID, said: “Raymond forced entry to the property knowing it was empty but injured himself in the process.

"The victim on discovery that she had been burgled discovered Raymond's blood at the scene. It was only a matter of weeks until he was located and arrested.

"I would like to thank the victim for their support during this investigation. I hope today's verdict offers her some justice to her."