A burglar has been jailed after leaving blood stains at his own crime scene.

Darren Roberts smashed his way into a home near Doxford Park, Sunderland, back in February before swiping a PlayStation 5 console along with aftershave.

With the occupant of the address abroad, neighbours heard the commotion and immediately reported the break-in to police.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers spotted two suspicious blood stains – on the kitchen cupboard drawer and in the bedroom upstairs.

Swabs were taken by the Force’s Forensic Services Department which later came back as a match to 35-year-old Roberts.

Roberts, of Carlisle Terrace, Sunderland, was subsequently arrested, charged and later convicted of burglary.

On Friday (July 5), he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he was jailed for 30 months.

Detective Constable Stuart Batey, who works for one of Northumbria Police’s dedicated burglary teams, said: “I am delighted that Roberts has been brought to justice for his selfish actions.

“Burglary is such an intrusive crime, and people should feel safe in their homes. That’s why it’s imperative that individuals like Roberts – who bring misery to others – have their day in court.

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“Unfortunately for Roberts, he left behind some telling clues as to who was behind the burglary, and what followed was some fantastic work by our colleagues in Forensic Services who were able to irrefutably prove that he was the person responsible.

“I sincerely hope that Roberts spends this time in prison reflecting on how his behaviour can affect not only his victims, but the wider community as a whole.

“As a force, we make no apology in our pursuit of justice against perpetrators of burglary – and every single day, we have dedicated teams of officers tasked with reviewing every break-in and ultimately ensuring those responsible are put behind bars.”