Bloodstains left on doorhandles at a Witham house led to the arrest of a man with a long record of dishonesty.
A court heard how the stains were traced back to 39-year-old Dennis Gallagher and when he was arrested, he apologised for the burglary.
He was jailed for two years at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday after he admitted the burglary on November 30 last year.
Kevin Clark, prosecuting, said Gallagher, of Forest Gate, London, broke into the three bedroom house in Chipping Hill, Witham, and stole £500 worth of property, including jewellery.
He cut his hand during the break-in and tests later traced the blood back to him, Mr Clark told the court.
Christopher Paxton, mitigating, said Gallagher apologised for the burglary and had expressed remorse.
He had been a heroin user for the past 20 years but wanted to rid himself of his addiction, Mr Paxton said.
Published Friday, February 4, 2005
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