Walsall burglar jailed after leaving DNA at scene
A burglar who raided a house and got away with computer equipment and jewellery has been jailed.
Joseph Mansell who caused £600 of damage to the property in Pelsall was traced through DNA testing after leaving behind a blood smear.
A victim impact statement, the owner of the property told police the crime had left him feeling 'badly shaken' and less secure in his own home.
Mansell, aged 33, of Highfield Road North, Pelsall admitted burglary and also breaching an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years which had also been imposed for burglary.
Recorder Abigail Nixon jailed him for 29 months for the new raid and ruled he should have to serve a further 15 months for breaching the previous order.
Sentencing him at Wolverhampton Crown Court she said: "What you did has had a long lasting effect on your victim. Burglary is a nasty, mean and cowardly offence."
Mr Christopher O'Gorman, defending, said Mansell had resolved his drug problem but, with the Pelsall raid, he had once again turned his life "upside down."
