A burglar who severed nerves and tendons while breaking into a home was later discovered collapsed in a pool of his own blood by the homeowners.

Colchester magistrates were told yesterday (Thursday) how Ronald Ellis of Frating Road, Frating, made a day time break-in at Cottonwood Close, Colchester, on October 13.

Ellis admitted burglary, criminal damage and stealing medication but magistrates called for reports to be drawn up before they sentence him.

Gerald Isted, prosecuting, said Ellis managed to get into the house by smashing the kitchen window but seriously injured himself in the process.

The court heard Ellis then damaged a door while going into the living room.

Mr Isted said: "As a result of the bad arm he bled in some quantity over various areas of the house. He ended up collapsed on the couch where he was later found by the family."

The MOD Police were called to the scene and Ellis was taken to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.

Paul Tawn, for Ellis, said he had lost four or five pints of blood during the incident and that one of the medicines he had taken thinned blood which increased the bleeding.

He said Ellis had developed a drink problem after losing a long term best friend about a year ago.

Ellis, he said, had stayed at the house and some of his property, including a microwave, was still being kept there when he broke in.

Mr Tawn said: "He accepts he is guilty of the charges, but it is not a run of the mill case. He has had time now to reflect on the hurt he has caused himself."

Ellis will again appear before magistrates on Christmas Eve.

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