A serial burglar is back behind bars after he left blood traces at the scene of his latest home invasion.

Andrew Rudd forced his way into the family home before stealing thousands of pounds worth of electrical equipment, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 50-year-old has more than 130 convictions on his record, including 11 for burglary, after using his criminal activities to fund his drug addiction.

Caroline McGurk, prosecuting, said: “After he was arrested, he was shown photographs of the property and he claimed not to recognise it.

“He was challenged with the scientific evidence and claimed that he had entered what he thought was a vacant property with the intent to steal but left without taking anything.

“He said the blood was from an infected finger and wanted to apologise to the homeowner.”

In a victim personal statement, the court heard how the couple, who were expecting their first child had been forced to move out as they no longer felt safe in their home.

Miss McGurk said Rudd had been sentenced three times as a three-strike burglar during his criminal career and his latest offence was committed while he was on licence following a previous conviction.

Andrew RuddAndrew Rudd (Image: Cleveland Police)

Rudd, of Gatesworth Close, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to burglary following his arrest on June 18 last year.

James Yearsley, mitigating, said: “He is 50, he has a number of previous offences as a result of the lifelong struggle he has had with drugs.”

The lawyer said Rudd had been working on his drug problem while he was being held on remand from August last year.

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Judge Christopher Smith sentenced the prolific offender to 33 months in custody.

“You have amassed quite a lengthy criminal record,” he said. “I know you have had a longstanding problem with drugs. Drugs cause enormous problems for society.

“The individual, who is addicted, has their lives ruined by drugs and you know that better than anyone.

“But also, society as a whole suffers because in their drive to get money to feed their addiction, people commit criminal offences and you are a classic example of that.”