A BURGLAR who smashed his way into a family home was caught after leaving blood on the bedroom carpet.

Paul Edwards broke into the house through a kitchen window and ransacked the Beaumont Chase property, stealing jewellery, electrical goods and cash, together worth £9,500.

Bolton Crown Court heard how home owner Ritesh Mehta had locked up the house on the morning of May 14 but his wife discovered the burglary when she returned with their children just before

5pm.

Andrew Evans, prosecuting, said blood was found on the stair bannister and bedroom carpet.

Edwards, aged 41, of Addington Road, Bolton, was identified and, when arrested, admitted his guilt.

Martin Pizzey, defending, said Edwards, who has five previous convictions for burglary, had committed the offence to pay a debt. He added; "He regrets what he did. He has shown substantial and genuine remorse."

The court heard that Edwards is a long term drug addict.

Sentencing Edwards to 12 months in prison, Recorder Rowena Goode said: "There was considerable detrimental effect to the occupants of the property to the extent that the wife and mother don't feel safe and want to move house."