A PROLIFIC burglar was caught when he left blood at the scene of his crime.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Michelle Parkinson had been away from her flat in Manchester Road, Great Lever on the weekend of May 25.

But when she returned on the Sunday she found a rear window smashed and her home ransacked. Joshua Bowker, prosecuting, told how items including cash, car keys, a laptop, cigarettes, a handbag , bottle of champagne and jewellery were missing.

Also stolen was a gold sovereign ring which had belonged to Ms Parkinson's sister.

In a victim statement written by Ms Parkinson she stated: "It was my late sister's. This really did mean a lot to me as it was made for her when she was ill."

She added that she now does not like being in the flat on her own and is planning to move.

Matthew Openshaw, aged 43, of Sharman Street, Bolton was caught after his DNA was matched to blood he left at the scene.

The court heard that Openshaw has 57 previous convictions for 142 offences, including 16 house burglaries.

Nicholas Ross, defending, said Openshaw, who was only released from prison in February, had fallen back into using drink and drugs.

"His relationship collapsed, he became homeless, returned to drinking and drugs and, as a consequence, he committed this burglary as an act of desperation," said Mr Ross.

Judge Graeme Smith sentenced Openshaw to 876 days in prison.

He told the defendant: "You have an appalling antecedent record. Although the amount involved is relatively small, burglaries of houses have a disproportionate effect on people who are entitled to feel safe in their own homes."