Burglar, 20, caught by DNA on can

A retired couple spotted an intruder on the back lawn of their home in Bewdley after a security light was activated in the early hours, a court heard.

The man ran off but he was arrested 19 days later.

Ashley Bryant was held after DNA found on a half-drunk can of lager was analysed, Mr Peter Grice, prosecuting, told Worcester Crown Court.

Bryant, aged 20, of Addenbrooke Crescent, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to burglary after claiming that he was the look-out. He was sentenced to nine months' youth custody.

Mr Grice said a basement room in Sandbourne Drive, Wribbenhall, had been entered just before 4am on February 5. A cordless drill was taken but left behind when the householders raised the alarm.

Also found were two canes tied together which police thought had been used to poke through letterboxes or cat flaps to steal keys.

Mr Grice said Bryant went to the house with an accomplice, who was not named. He was short of money but wanted the victims to know that he was sorry.

Mr Jason Aris, defending, said that although Bryant had previous convictions for burglary, he had been working in recent months as a tree feller. He had a young daughter but found himself in trouble when he went out binge drinking. Recorder Graham Cliff said Bryant was amassing a formidable record for burglary.