Experienced burglar raided houses just three weeks after release from jail

Nathan Hinds was living with a relative opposite the site and struck after a drinking spree between February 23 and 24, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

The 23-year-old – released on February 3 from a 16-month prison term for breaking into a locked shop and stealing cigarettes and other goods valued at £2,000 – smashed windows to get into five of the properties and rip out copper piping, taps and other bathroom fixtures and fittings.

He caused around £6,000 worth of damage to the development off Wordsworth Road, Bloxwich where the homes were about to be handed over to the Walsall Housing Group for renting to tenants, explained Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting, who added: "The burglaries caused some commercial disturbance in that they had to be returned to their proper state."

Hinds cut himself during the rampage and was arrested on March 8 after scientific checks matched a blood stain found at the scene following the break-ins with his DNA.

Mr Searle said: "He had been living with a relative almost opposite the site, knew when the work was close to completion and rightly identified when he could avoid the security arrangements. He got into the properties by breaking rear windows before but in the process cut his hand."

Mr Stephen Cadwaladr, defending, maintained: "He had been drinking heavily on the night in question and needed money. The burglaries were highly unsophisticated with him not wearing gloves, cutting himself and leaving a trail of blood.

"He has a problem with binge drinking but is young enough to change his ways."

Hinds from Tennyson Road, Blakenhall admitted five burglaries and was jailed for two and a half years.