A burglar who was caught red-handed has been given one last chance to stay out of prison.

Callum Teasdale stole an Amazon Firestick, a gold and blue watch, a silver bracelet and a silver ring, when he smashed his way into the home of a woman he had previously done some gardening work for.

The 23-year-old was immediately recognised by his victim but tried to pretend that he was chasing the burglar from her home.

Teesside Crown Court heard how blood found inside the house on Premier Road, Middlesbrough, debunked his lies; he was later arrested and charged with burglary.

Read more: 'Wild West' brawl kicked off in Darlington Asda between four men

Matthew Simpson, prosecuting, said the burglary victim came home at around 7pm on October 25 last year to find a broken window and strange noises coming from inside.

He said: “She discovered glass all over the kitchen floor and the rear door was broken, she heard scuffling sounds in her property and started to panic believing that someone was in the house.

“She ran out before returning and saw Callum Teasdale leaving the house and she knew him as he had previously done gardening work for her.

“He told her he had seen someone breaking into her house and said ‘he tried to bite his finger’ before saying he knew where the person lived and set off to pursue the person and left the scene of the crime.”

The police were able to trace the defendant after his blood was found at the scene and recovered the stolen goods from him.

Teasdale, of Kelfield Avenue, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to a single charge of burglary.

Michele Turner, in mitigation, her client had been on a tagged curfew for several weeks and had been offered a place on a programme to address his drug use.

Judge Jonathan Carroll sentenced Teasdale to 12-months in custody suspended for 24-months and placed him on a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement order.

“You smashed your way in, there was damage and glass all over the place and you stole personal property,” he said.

“Since you committed this offence, you have been actively engaged in addressing your drugs and alcohol and all the indications are positive that you are making progress towards getting some proper training, getting a job and earning a proper wage.”

Teasdale was also ordered to attend 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and placed on a three-month electronically tagged curfew between 7pm and 7am.

Judge Carroll warned the defendant that if he breached the suspended sentence custody was inevitable.

Read next: