Sunderland B&Q raider caught by blood on broken glass

Lacey Robson, 47, was with others who broke into the outlet in Trimdon Street, Millfield, in the early hours of Monday, July 12.

But he was the only one caught, a blood sample on broken glass revealing DNA that implicated him in the £865 raid.

Prosecutor Niamh Reading said it was analysed by forensics experts and tied Robson, of Toward Street, Hendon, to the crime.

She told magistrates in South Tyneside the offender was well known to law enforcers, with 61 criminal convictions to his name.

They are made up of 121 offences, of which 76 are for theft or similar crimes.

Ms Reading said: “Five Makita and one Dewalt drill were taken, and there was £500 damage to the door.

“Scene of crime officers attended, and they found blood had been left.

“A swab was taken, which was forensically examined. It proved a positive match for the DNA of the defendant.”

Robson pleaded guilty to burglary of a non-dwelling property, with his role in the offence being put at two stolen drills.

Heather Bolton, defending, said: “He made full admissions to the police when interviewed.

“There were other people involved in this incident. On the charge sheet, he’s charged with £300 of drills.

“His offending has somewhat slowed down. He’s had a problem with drug use in the past.