A burglar could not remember breaking into a house and stealing £600 in goods - because he was too high on heroin.

Alistair Elsey, 22, was eventually caught after leaving specks of blood in the home he ransacked while the family were on holiday.

The blood was matched in DNA tests by police scientists and Elsey, of Copperfields, Laindon, was arrested.

But when he was quizzed by police about the particular raid Elsey said his memory was a blank.

He did recall other burglaries and asked for nine similar offences to be considered when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court.

His lawyer Mark Savage said Elsey had a bad criminal record due mainly to his drug addiction.

However, in recent months he had turned over a new leaf. He was off drugs, had a steady girlfriend, bought a house and was anxious to settle down.

Mr Savage added: "He wants to put the past behind him. He deserves to have another opportunity in life."

Judge Michael Yelton agreed there were "exceptional circumstances" as Elsey had got rid of the drug habit. The judge imposed a six-month jail term, suspended for a year. Elsey, who admitted burglary, was told to pay £110 compensation.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.