A BURGLAR who tried to break into a woman's home was caught after leaving his blood at the scene.

At Bolton Crown Court Philip Derbyshire was jailed for 18 months with Judge Graeme Smith telling him: "Burglaries are a particularly serious crime because they involve, not just the stealing of property, but the invasion of the private space of an individual or individuals."

The court heard how the terraced house in Glynne Street, Farnworth, was up for sale when it was targeted by Derbyshire and another man.

John Kennerley, prosecuting, told how Katie Kelly was inside the property at 10.30am on February 22 when she heard a rattling noise coming from her conservatory door.

She assumed it was workmen, but when she looked out of her kitchen window she saw two men outside.

"Outside the door were two males, one of whom was the defendant, who had a metal bar," said Mr Kennerley.

The men were using the bar to try and lever open the conservatory door, but one of the men ran off when Ms Kelly's dog began barking.

"The defendant continued his attempts to prise open the conservatory door," said Mr Kennerley.

Ms Kelly went upstairs to phone police and when she came back downstairs again the burglar had gone.

However, although £300 worth of damage was done to the door, the burglars were unsuccessful at breaking in and left empty handed.

Forensic examiners found blood at the scene which was matched to Derbyshire, aged 32, of Bentham Close, Farnworth, and he was then arrested.

After making no comment during police interview but was identified by Ms Kelly and he pleaded guilty to attempted burglary.

Mr Kennerley said Ms Kelly had been left shaken by the incident and, although she had now moved home, still does not feel safe.

"I can't believe these males were trying to break into my house in broad daylight," she said in a statement.

The court heard that Derbyshire has convictions for violence but no previous offences of burglary.

Andrew Costello, defending, said, at the time of the burglary, Derbyshire was homeless and suffering from deteriorating mental health.

He added that Derbyshire had seen a for sale sign outside and had "formed the view that the property was empty".

But, sentencing the defendant, Judge Smith said furniture and other items had been visible inside the house and so he did not believe Derbyshire was just trying to find somewhere to stay.

"The idea that the property was unoccupied is untenable," said Judge Smith.

As he was led away from the dock Derbyshire told the judge: "I am sorry, thank you."